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City of Bridgeton. 



NEW JERSEY. 



ITS SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH — ITS ATTRACTIONS 

—ITS INDUSTRIES— ITS ADVANTAGES AS 

A MANUFACTURING SITE. 

Sixty -Two Illustrations. 



1889. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

BuRK & McFhtridc;e, Printers, 306-308 Chestnut Street. 

1889. 



<< 



G0549 
KXPLANATORY. 



Believing that Bridgeton is destined to become, at no distant day, 
a city of commanding importance and influence in the State, and that 
its superior advantages should be presented to the world in a more 
attractive shape than heretofore, the writer submits this pamphlet, trusting 
that it may be the channel through which much additional capital shall 
be secured, thereby increasing the population, and enhancing the 
material and industrial prosperity of the people. 

In preparing the accompanying pages, use has been made of 
information contained in Elmer's History of Cumberland County, and 
Everts & Peck's History of Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland. Thanks 
are due, also, to the proprietors of manufacturing establishments, and 
other gentlemen who have furnished statistics and facts relative to the 
industrial life of Bridgeton. 

To Wm. E. Service, Bridgeton's talented artist, much credit is due 
for the fine views photographed for the work ; also, to the Electro-Tint 
Engraving Company, 726 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, for the hand- 
some engravings on copper plate. 

I. T. Nichols. 
Bridgeton, May, i88g. 



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4 



City Government. 



Mayor, 

JEREMIAH Dubois. 

Treasurer, Tax Collector, 

FRANK M. RILEY. LEWIS H. DOWDNEY. 

Solicitor, 

FRANK M. PORCH. 

President of Council, 

FRANCIS C. PROBASCO. 

Recorder, 

. CHARLES B. MOORE. 



MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. 
First Ward.—]. D. JOHNSON, FRANCIS SEELEY, JOHN McPHERSON. 
Second lVard.—]KQ.Q)^ DAILEY, GEO. E. DUFFIELD, FRED CONNER. 
Third Ward.—Y. C. PROBASCO, STACY S. LEWIS, FRANCIS B. MINCH. 
Fourth ^«n/.— BENJ. F. HARDING, WM. JERRELL, J. A. WOODRUFF. 



BOARD OF ASSESSORS. 

First IFard.—E. MILFORD APPLEGATE. 
Second Ward.—C. F. KRAUTER. 
Third Wi-;,/.— JERE H. LUPTON. 
Fourth JVard.—U. C. ENGLISH. 



Board of EouGftTioN. 



President, 

JOSEPH S. MINER. 

Seeretary, 

GEO. W. McCOWAN. 

School Superintendent, 

DANIEL SHARP. 



MEMBERS OF BOARD. 



First JT^r^.— WILSON L. SILVERS, J. S. MINER, E. C. LAMBERT. 
Second Ward.—O. E. PECK, BENJ. T. BRIGHT, C. R. COREY. 
Third fF«r^/.— RICHARD LOTT, \VM. C. WHITAKER, JACOB ftlENZLE, 
Fourth \Vard.—]Q^K. S. AVARS, W. F. HORT, I. T. NICHOLS. 



Board of Health. 



President, 

CHAS. E. SHEPPARD. 

Inspector, 

M. W. APPLEGATE. 



MEMBERS OF BOARD. 

C. E. SHEPPARD, M. W. APPLEGATE, 

CHAS. E. MULFORD, ELI LOPER. 



Fire Department. 



Chief, 

\V. H. H. ELWELL. 

First, WM. T. BOWEN. ^ng.neers. ^^^^^^^^ ^ ^^^ ^ MYERS. 

Third, WM. SIMPKINS. 

Captain of Hose, 
FRANCIS WILSEY. 

First Assistant, G. H. EARTH. Second Assistant, ^VM. HUSTED. 



Water Department. 



Superintendent, 

TIMOTHY WOODRUFF. 

Engineer, 

CHAS. W. BAKER. 



Chief of Police, 

HIS HONOR, THE MAYOR. 



MEMBERS OF LEGISLATURE. 
State Senator.— VWWAY P. BAKER. 
Assemblymen.— 'Xl\0'=,. \V. TRENCHARD, REUBEN CHEESMAN. 



United States Officials. 



Collector of the Port, 

FRANK M. PORCH. 

Postmaster, Internal Revenue Collector, 

SAMUEL A. LANING. JOHN SMALLEY. 



County Officers. 



Sheriff, 

BENJAMIN F. SHAW. 

Clerk, 

FRANCIS L. GODFREY. 

Surrogate, Coroner, 

SAMUEL R FITHIAN. ISAIAH F. BARNES. 

Presiding Judge County Courts, 

ALFRED REED. 

Associate Judges, 

NATHANIEL STRATTON. ELI B. HENDEE. 

Law Judge, 

JAMES R. HOAGLAND. 

Prosecuting Attorney, 

WILLIAM A. LOGUE. 

Crier of the Court, 

LEWIS YOUNG. 



Board of Freeholders. 



Director, 

MORRIS BACON. 

Clerk, 

HOWARD L. TYLER. 

Solicitor, 

JAMES R. HOAGLAND. 

County Physician, 

JOHN R. C. THOMPSON. 

County Collector, 

JAMES W. TRENCHARD. 

County School Superintendent, 

CHARLES G. HAMPTON. 



BRIDGETON FREEHOLDERS. 

First mird.—CUAS. H. MICKEL. 
Secotid Ward.—]. M. SHOUGH. 
Third Ward.~]OS. T. WHITE. 
Fourth Wa,-d.—\\M. B. TRENCHARD. 



Board of Trade. 



President, 

DAVID McBRIDE. 

First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, 

CHARLES G. HAMPTON. DANIEL BACON. 

Secretary, Treasurer, 

ALEX. R. FITHIAN. DAVID P. ELMER. 

Corresponding Secretary, 

GEO. W. McCOVVAN. 



GENERAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

JACOB DAILEY, DAN'L SHARP, JOHN SMALLEY, 

DAN'L B. MAYHEW, FRANK M. RILEY, J. D. JOHNSON, 

SAMUEL A. LANING, FRANCIS R. FITHIAN, JACOB MENGEL, 

JAMES J. REEVES, JACOB KIENZLE, LEANDER SHARP, 

JOS. ARNOLD, SAM'L M. ALLEN, J. BOYD NIXON. 

FRANK EGGMAN, 



COMMITTEE ON RAILROADS. 
S. A. LANING, JACOB DAILEY, FRANK M. RILEY. 



COMMITTEE ON MANUFACTURES. 
J. NIXON BODINE, FRANK R. FITHIAN, DAN'L B. MAYHEW. 



COMMITTEE ON NAVIGATION. 
DANIEL SHARP, JOHN SMALLEY, JAMES J. REEVES. 



The City of Bridgeton. 



SETTLEMENT AND GROWTH. 

r>rHORTLY after the battle of Culloden, 1746, where 
C^\ Charles Edward was so disastrously defeated in his 
^"^ struggle for the English crown, the General Assembly 
of New Jersey passed a bill setting off certain portions of the 
then county of Salem into a district to be thereafter known 
as the county of Cumberland. The Duke of Cumberland, 
who won the battle of Culloden, was the hero of the day, and 
it was in his honor that the new county was named. 

Up to this period the country was but sparsely settled. 
There w^as a small settlement at Greenwich, one in Fairfield, 
and another at Port Elizabeth, with a widely-scattered farming 
community located principally in the vicinity of the Cohansey 
and Maurice rivers. On the present site of the City of Bridge- 
ton there was a collection of houses, few in number, which 
settlement was called " Cohansey Bridge." The first white 
settlers are unknown, but they were -probably a portion of 
Fenwick's Colony, together with emigrants from New 
England, and perhaps a few Swedes. 

It was not till 1754 that the place began to take shape. 
At that time Daniel Elmer, who was a surveyor, laid out a 
town on the east side of the Cohansey, which was to be called 
" Cumberland." The streets were surveyed, and a plan 
adopted. The site extended from Jefferson street on a line 
with the present Broad street bridge, as far north as the 
Central R. R. depot ; covered largely by a forest. From the 



lO 

river it ran as far east as where Orange street is now located. 
The survey was made at the request of the owner of the land, 
Alexander Moore, but the streets were never opened. From 
the date of Moore's attempt to lay out a town until 1791, 
" Cohansey Bridge " made but little progress. The road to 
Deerfield was laid out in 1768, and the road to Fairfield 
changed in 1785. John Moore White, who came to the 
"Bridge" in 1791, erected a fine dwelling, which afterwards 
became a part of the old Davis Hotel property, and was 
occupied as a tavern for nearly seventy years. He took a 
great interest in the town, and had several streets laid out, 
and others straightened. From this time there was a steady 
growth. The early settlers had opened a road to Greenwich 
by way of Bowentown, in 1769, but the straight road to 
Millville was not laid till 1805. In 18 10 the road to 
Buckshutem was laid. Atlantic street was opened in 1800. 
Franklin street was laid out as early as 1771. The road to 
Roadstown, through what was then known as Main street, 
now Broad, was opened in 1798. Laurel street was laid out 
about the year 1791, and was given that name because of the 
laurel which grew so abundantly in the woods then situate on 
what is now designated " Laurel Hill." The exact date of the 
laying out of Commerce street is unknown, but it is supposed 
to have been about the year 1763. It probably took its name 
from the fact that it was a business street almost from the 
beginning. The road to Shiloh was laid in 1825. 

Up to the Revolution, Bridgeton was but a small hamlet, 
with barely two hundred inhabitants. It was a patriotic vil- 
lage, however, and sent a good-sized contingent to the Revo- 
lutionary Army. The most distinguished soldier in the ranks 
of those who enlisted was a young physician, Ebenezer Elmer, 
father of the late Judge L. Q. C. Elmer, who came home from 
the war a Brigadier-General. He was afterward a member of 
Congress. Col. David Potter and Col. Enos Seeley, residents 
of Bridgeton, were also officers of distinction in Washington's 
army. 



II 

The first bridge over the Cohanse}', at Commerce street, 
built about 1716, had no draw. The latter was finally secured 
after a long dispute between John Moore White and the fi"ee- 
holders. Stone abutments were put under the bridge in 1799, 
and the bridge was built on piles and raised much higher. 
A new bridge was erected in 1849, and the present handsome 
iron structure built in 1875. 

An enumeration of the inhabitants made in 1792, showed 
that they numbered 300. In 1 800 the town had grown to some 
importance. It was the business centre of the county, and 
much wood and produce was shipped to Philadelphia and 
other points by water. The most influential citizens and busi- 
ness men at that time were Dr. Jonathan Elmer, Ebenezer 
Seeley, Jonathan Bo wen, Col. David Potter, Dr. Samuel M. 
Shute, James Burch, Zachariah Lawrence, Enoch Boon, John 
Moore White, General James Giles. A number of substantial 
wharves were built along the river about this time. The 
Court House stood in the middle of Broad street, and was a 
quaint, old-fashioned edifice. 

Up to the year 1800 there were a number of slaves in 
Bridgeton, black persons being held as chattels in New Jersey. 
In 1804 the Legislature passed an act for the gradual abolition 
of slavery, so that the number thereafter decreased continually. 
In 1830 there were still two persons owned as slaves, but with 
their death emancipation in this State became complete. 

In 1829 the population had reached 1,736. That portion 
of the town located on the east side of the river began to 
outstrip that on the western side. There were ten stores and 
four taverns in the place. Twenty-five vessels w^ere employed 
in the wood trade, and there was also several oyster boats. 
Twenty-five thousand cords of wood were sent every year to 
Philadelphia. Stratton & Buck were the most enterprising 
business men. 

In the early part of 1830, there began to be a desire 
among the people of the county for a new and better Court 
House. The subject was agitated until 1836, when the lot 



12 

on which the building now stands was purchased by the 
county. This action on the part of the Board of Freeholders 
produced great excitement, and the inhabitants of the eastern 
portion of the county clamored for the removal of the county- 
seat to Millville, In order that the matter might be promptly 
settled, an act authorizing a special election was secured from 
the Legislature. The election to determine the question was 
held July 25 and 26, 1837. Never in the history of the 
county was there so much excitement or so much hot blood. 
The result was 1,284 votes for Bridgeton, 1,059 ^^^ Millville, 
214 for Fairton. The people of the eastern end of the county 
were not satisfied with the result, and they still continued to 
oppose the erection of the Court House. As there were eight 
townships at the time, four in the east and four in the west, 
the vote was a tie. The politicians then got to work to 
unravel the difficulty, and through some fine work in the 
Legislature, a bill was passed forming a new township at 
Shiloh, called Columbia. By the aid of the new Freeholder 
from that section the eastern townships were beaten, and the 
present Court House built. It was first occupied in 1845. 

The year 1838 opened on a population of 2,315. At this 
period the streets were named as they now are. In 1850 the 
population had increased to 3,303. In i860 it was 5,104. In 
1885 it had reached 10,050, and it now numbers 12,000. 

The first stage from Bridgeton to Philadelphia began 
running in 1774. In 1792 a post route was established from 
Philadelphia to Salem, and thence to Bridgeton, the mail being 
carried on horseback once a week. Eli Elmer was the first 
Postmaster. He was succeeded by John Soulard, who lived 
in a house on Broad street, near Fayette, and kept the office 
there. A mail route to Woodbury was established in 1802, 
the first carriers being Benaiah Parvin and son, who began 
their work by stage in 1804. The first daily mail commenced 
in 1 8 16. 

Benjamin and David Reeves, of Camden, came to Bridge- 
ton in 181 5, and erected the factories known as "The 



Cumberland Nail and Iron Works," and commenced the 
manufacture of nails the same year. 

The first livery stable was started in 1825 by a joint-stock 
company. 

Glass works were established in 1836 by the firm of 
Stratton, Buck & Co. Both hollow-ware and window glass 
were manufactured. 

The first newspaper published in Bridijeton was started 
by James D. Westcott. It was called the Argt(s, but con- 
tinued only two years. In 181 5 the Wasliingtoii IV/iig \\a.s 
founded, Peter Hay, editor. It was started as a political paper, 
and was red-hot against the Federalists. From the date of its 
first publication until the present day, it has continued under 
different proprietors. It is now known as the Bridgcton 
Chronicle. At one time it was the most popular newspaper in 
South Jersey, and under the editorship of the gifted James M. 
Newell, was one of the leading journals of the State. Mr. S. 
Siegfried started a second paper in 1822. It was known as 
The West Jersey Observer. In 1826 it was consolidated with 
the Whig. Still another paper was started in 1846, called 
The West Jersey Telegraph. It was afterward changed to The 
West Jersey Pioneer, and still later to the Bridgeton Pioneer, 
by which name it is still continued. In 1862 Fayette Pierson 
started a Democratic paper called the Aurora, and it is now 
published as The Nezv Jersey Patriot. 

John Westcott established and taught the first day school 
in Bridgeton, about the year 1773. He taught mathematics 
principally. The school-house on Bank street was erected in 
1847. The school-house in the Third Ward, then known as 
Cohansey township, was built in 1848. 

Cumberland Bank was chartered in 1816, and began busi- 
ness in September of that year, with a capital of $52,000. 
Gen. James Giles, President ; Charles Read, Cashier. 

Dr. Elijah Bowen was the first practising ph}'sician in 
Bridgeton. He began about 1738. Dr. Jonathan Palmer, 
grandfather of the present Dr. Wm. Elmer, began practising 



in 1768. He was prominent in politics, and at one time a 
Representative in Congress, and afterward United States 
Senator. 

The Courts were first established in Bridgeton in Febru- 
ary, 1749, they having previously been held at Greenwich. 
An election had decided that " Cohansey Bridge " should be 
the county seat. Until 1752, when the first Court House was 
finished, the Courts usually met at the taverns of Messrs. 
Parvin and Cotting. The whipping-post was the principal 
method of punishment for petty crime in those days. John 
Brick was the first Judge. 

Bridgeton was incorporated as a city in 1865, with a 
Mayor and Common Council. It was divided into three 
wards, which covered the entire territory formerly within the 
limits of Bridgeton and Cohansey townships. It now has 
four wards. James Hood was the first Mayor. 

The name " Cohansey," given Bridgeton by the early 
settlers, was the same as that now borne by the Cohansey 
river. It is said to have been derived from that of Cohanzick, a 
chief of a tribe of Indians who at one time made their home 
near the banks of the river. 

Until the year 1765, the town retained the name of 
" Cohansey Bridge," but it was changed, by order of the 
Court, that year, and called Bridgetown. This name was 
commonly accepted up to the date of the establishment of the 
Cumberland Bank in 18 16, when Gen. Giles, its first President, 
had the word " Bridgeton " printed on the notes. It has 
retained that name ever since. 

The Cumberland County Agricultural Society, now one 
of the most flourishing associations of the kind in the country, 
was organized January 23, 1823; Dr. Wm. B. Ewing was the 
first President ; Dr. Ephraim Buck, Secretary. The society 
was re-organized in 185 1, when Lewis McBride was chosen 
President. It has held annual exhibitions every year since. 

The Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company com- 
menced business in May, 1845, with Benjamin Sheppard, 
President. It has had a prosperous career. 



15 

The first steamboat company was incorporated in 1845, 
and a fine steamboat called the " Cohansey," ran regularly to 
Philadelphia. 

The Bridgeton Gas Light Company was organized in 
1858, and the present works built in November of that year. 

A railroad from Woodbury to Bridgeton was completed 
July 24, 1 86 1, and a through route from Philadelphia opened 
up. The occasion was a great event in the history of the 
town, and the day of arrival of the first train was given up to 
festivity and general rejoicing. It was an epoch in Bridgeton 
history which will long be remembered. 

The City Water Works was established, as per vote of 
the citizens, in March, 1877. It was carried by a vote of 
1,145 in favor, to 171 against. On December i8th of that 
year the works were opened, and the pumps started for the 
first time. The event was celebrated by a grand street parade. 
The plant has cost the city nearly $100,000. 

In the year 181 1 Jeremiah Buck erected a cotton and 
woolen factory on the south side of Commerce street. It was 
afterwards removed to near East Lake, where Dr. Wm. Elmer 
erected a new mill. Later on it became the property of 
Robert and Jeremiah DuBois, who built the present handsome 
four-story brick factory. 

Ephraim Seeley built the first grist mill in Bridgeton as 
early as 1700. The mill was located on East Lake near what 
is now called Mulberry Cove, but all trace of it has long 
since disappeared. 

Brearley Lodge, No. 2, Free and Accepted Masons, was 
the first secret society started in Bridgeton. It was instituted 
November 15, 1790, in the old Court-house on Broad street. 
Gen. James Giles was the first Master. In October, 1798, the 
Lodge moved to the second-story room of the Bank Street 
Academy, where it has remained to this day. 

The Cumberland County Medical Society was organized in 
Bridgeton, December 18, 18 18. Dr. Ebenezer Elmer, Presi- 
dent ; Dr. Wm. B. Ewing, Vice-President ; Dr. Enoch Fithian, 



i6 

Secretary. The latter is still living, at the ripe old age of 
ninety-six. The society is now one of the most influential 
medical fraternities in the State, and has a large membership. 

The bridge over the Cohansey at Broad street was built 
by resolution of the Board of Freeholders, and was opened 
to the public in 1869. It is an iron structure resting on stone 
abutments and pier. 

Bridgeton was made a port of entry immediately after 
the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and the Custom 
House has remained here ever since. Col. Eli Elmer was the 
first Collector. The total number of vessels enrolled at the 
port at this time is 460, with a tonnage of 15,000 tons. Nearly 
one-half of the boats enrolled are coasting vessels, the balance 
being engaged in the oyster business. 

There are three Educational Institutions in Bridgeton of 
which the citizens are very proud. The West Jersey Academy 
was built by the Presbyterians of South Jersey, the corner- 
stone of the building being laid August 9, 1852. Building 
and grounds cost over $10,000. The school was first opened 
in 1854. The building is three stories high, and is built of 
Jersey sandstone, and is located on the handsome property in 
West Bridgeton known as "Academy Hill." It covers an 
entire square, fronts on Broad street, and has an extensive 
lawn, with attractive surroundings. 

The South Jersey Institute was established by the West 
Jersey Baptist Association. It was erected in 1869 at a cost 
of over $45,000. It was opened to the public in October, 1870. 
The structure is of brick material, five stories high, and has a 
centre or main building, with east and west wings. It stands 
on the bluff overlooking the Cohansey river, near the foot of 
Atlantic street, in the heart of a fine grove of cedar and oak. 
The situation is one of the finest in the State, and the view of 
the river and town from the Institute verandas is of rare 
beauty. It has proved one of the most successful educational 
institutions in the country. 



17 

Ivy Hall Seminar}-, a model school for girls and young 
ladies, located on Commerce street, near the foot of the hill, 
is an old-time brick edifice, whose walls are covered with ivy. 
It was established by Mrs. Margaretta Sheppard in 1859. It 
is now, and always has been, a very successful institution. 

The Bridgeton National Bank was organized July 12, 1883, 
with a capital of $100,000. Thomas U. Harris, president; 
James W. Trenchard, cashier. 

Cumberland Lodge of Odd Fellows, the first of that 
Order organized in the county, was instituted January 15, 
1846. Martin L. Green v/as the first Noble Grand, and Henry 
Neff, Secretary. 

Since the Revolution, Bridgeton has been frequently 
honored in the halls of Congress, in the Legislature, and once 
in the Gubernatorial chair. Dr. Jonathan Elmer was a 
Senator of the United States from March 4, 1789, to March 4, 
1791 ; he was also a Representative in Congress during the 
years 1776, 1777, 1781, 1783, 1787, 1789. General Ebenezer 
Elmer was a member of Congress from 1801 to 1807; L. Q. 
C. Elmer from 1843 to 1845 ; James G. Hampton from 1845 
to 1849; John T. Nixon from 1859 to 1863. Elias P. Seeley, 
who resided in the residence now occupied by Thomas 
Cummings, on Church lane, which formerly stood on Com- 
merce street, about where Pierce & Carll's furniture store 
stands, was Governor of the State of New Jersey from Febru- 
ary 27, 1833, to October 25, 1833, having been elected to that 
position by the Legislature to fill the vacancy caused by the 
resignation of Governor Samuel L. Southard, who had 
previously been chosen United States Senator. . 

Daniel Elmer, of Bridgeton, was a Justice of the Supreme 
Court from March 9, 1841, to January, 1845. L. Q. C. 
Elmer from February 5, 1852, to February 5, 1859, and again 
from August 22, 1861, to March 15, 1869. John T. Nixon 
was appointed Judge of the U. S. District Court in 1870, and 
still holds that office. 



Gen. Ebenezer Elmer, L. Q. C. Elmer and John T. Nixon 
were also members of the New Jersey Legislature, and Gen. 
Elmer and Mr. Nixon were each Speakers of the House of 
Assembly. In recent years Bridgeton has been represented 
in the House of Assembly by Lewis H. Dowdney, Isaac T. 
Nichols, Jere H. Lupton and Thos. W. Trenchard. Providence 
Ludlam, a Bridgetonian, was Senator from Cumberland 
County during the years 1862, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1866, 1867, 
and Isaac T. Nichols represented the county in the same 
position during the sessions of 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 
1886. Both Ludlam and Nichols held the Senatorship a 
longer period than any of their predecessors. 

Jonathan Bowen, David Potter and Eli Elmer, were mem- 
bers of the State Convention which ratified the Constitution of 
the United States, at its session in Trenton, Deceniber 18, 
1787. They were residents of Bridgeton at that time. 

Bridgeton had no organized church or any place of wor- 
ship outside of the Court House for nearly a half century 
after it became the county seat. The Old Brick Presbyterian 
Church, on Broad street, was the first erected. The founda- 
tion stone was laid July 26, 1792. The necessary funds to 
complete the building were procured through a lottery author- 
ized by act of the Legislature, and the church was finished, 
and dedicated Sunday, May 17, 1795, by Rev. John Daven- 
port. The lottery method of raising money in those days was 
considered entirely honorable, and nothing was thought of it. 
Rev. Wm. Clarkson, of Philadelphia, was the first pastor. 

The First Baptist Church was organized in the old Court 
House under the preaching of Rev. Henry Smalley, in 1797. 
A lot was purchased at the corner of Pearl and Marion streets, 
and the foundations for a church edifice laid May 31, 18 13. 
The building was not completed until December 16, 18 16, on 
which day it was dedicated. Mr. Smalley was the first regular 
pastor. The present structure, known as the Pearl Street 
Baptist Church, is a part of the original edifice. 



19 

Bishop Asbury, the eloquent apostle of Methodism, was 
the first Methodist minister that ever preached in Bridgeton. 
This occurred in September, 1783. Wm. Brooks was the first 
Methodist class leader. He resided in a small house at the 
southeast corner of Broad and Atlantic streets. Rev. Jonathan 
Brooks, a noted exhorter and zealous Christian man, vi'as one 
of the fourteen members of his class. The first regularly- 
organized Methodist society in Bridgeton was due to the 
efforts of John Murphy, of Fairfield, who began work here 
about the year 1791. The Commerce Street Church, at first 
a frame building, was built in 1807. Rev. Joseph Totten 
preached the dedicatory sermon. 

During the War of the Rebellion, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 
and 1865, Bridgeton's record for patriotism was unsurpassed 
by that of any other town in the country. More than five 
hundred volunteers, the flower of the community, enlisted in 
the several companies which went out to the seat of war. The 
first company to enroll for three years was that known as the 
" Cumberland Grays," afterward Co. F, Third Regiment, New 
Jersey Volunteers ; James W. Stickney, Captain ; Samuel T. 
Du Bois, First Lieutenant; George Woodruff, Second Lieu- 
tenant. It left home for the field, May 27, 1861. The second 
company became a part of the Twelfth Regiment, and was 
officered as follows : Richard S. Thompson, Captain ; Daniel 
Dare, First Lieutenant ; Wm. E. Potter, Second Lieutenant. 
This company departed September 4, 1 862. Three companies 
were organized about the same time for the Nine Months Regi- 
ments, and over three hundred men were enlisted in Bridge- 
ton within three days. This patriotic feat was never exceeded 
in any part of the Nation during the war, and had but one 
parallel — that of the town of Haverhill, Mass., where about 
the same number were enlisted in about the same time. The 
three companies were known as F, G and H, of the Twenty- 
fourth Regiment. Co. F was commanded by Captain Samuel 
Harris ; Co. G by Captain Jas. R. Hoagland, and Co. H by 
Captain Henry Neff Part of a company of soldiers for the 



20 

First New Jersey Cavalry also went from Bridgeton, with 
Ethan Harris as Captain. A portion of the Tenth Regiment 
Infantry, was also recruited here during the same year. 

Of the membership of Co. F, Third Regiment, Captain 
Stickney was promoted to Major; Samuel T. DuBois, Captain 
and Major, and Sergeant Charles F. Salkeld, Captain. Lieu- 
tenant Wm. E. Potter, of Co. K, Twelfth Regiment, was made 
Captain and Major, and Sergeant Ed. M. DuBois, Major and 
Lieutenant-Colonel. Sergeant Frank M. Riley, of the same 
company, was also promoted to Captain. All rendered 
meritorious service to the country. 

Among those who served in New Jersey Regiments from 
Bridgeton, were Captain F. Marion DuBois, of the Twenty- 
fourth Regiment, and Sergeant Bowman H. Buck, of the 
Third Regiment. Both were in the Mexican War with Gen- 
eral Winfield Scott's Army, and both passed safely through 
the campaigns of the war for the Union. Sergeant Buck is 
known in Bridgeton as " Old Chepultepec," from the fact that 
he was one of the volunteers engaged in the attack and 
storming of that celebrated Mexican fortress. He came out 
of that bloody siege without a scar, as he likewise did at Bull 
Run, at Malvern Hill, at Fredericksburg, at Chancellorsville, 
at Antietam, at Gettysburg, at Spottsylvania, the Wilderness, 
Petersburg, and in front of Richmond. His term of three 
years having expired, he re-enlisted for the balance of the war, 
and was in at Lee's surrender, at Appomattox. The Sergeant 
is still hale and hearty, and frequently remarks that he is ready 
to enter the ranks again whenever the country shall call. 

Appended is a list of those who have served as Mayor of 
Bridgeton since its incorporation as a city : James Hood, 1866; 
Isaac B. Dare, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872; Ephraim 
E. Sheppard, 1873, 1874, 1875 ; Seth P. Husted, 1876, 1877, 
1878, 1879, 1880, 1881; John Smalley, 1882, 1883, 1884; 
Jeremiah DuBois, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, and is still in office. 



The City of Bridgeton. 



ITS INDUSTRIES— THE CUMBERLAND NAIL & 
IRON \VORKS. 

One of the leading industries of Bridgeton, and in many- 
respects the chief, is the estabhshment that bears the above 
title. It has justly been ranked among the great manufactories 
of the State. Benjamin and David Reeves, having procured 
a site on the western bank of the Cohansey, above the Com- 
merce street bridge, erected a mill, and began the manufacture 
of nails in 1815. Nails were then made exclusively from 
re-heated scrap iron, and wholesaled from ten to fifteen cents 
per pound. They were made differently then from what they 
are now, being cut altogether across the fibre or grain. The 
mill on the east side of the river, now known as the Puddling 
and Sheet Mill, was erected in 1847. This changed the 
method of making nails — they being manufactured from pig 
iron instead of scrap. The iron was puddled, made into bars, 
and re-heated, afterward the bars were rolled into sheets from 
which the nails were cut. The new nails were much better 
and tougher, being cut with the grain instead of across it. 
During the year 1847 the nail mill on the west side was 
greatly enlarged, and the entire water power utilized in the 
work of driving the machinery. This gave added power, and 
better and larger quantities of nails were manufactured. In 
1853 the firm built the large pipe mill on the east side, where 
gas, steam, and water pipe have been manufactured ever since. 



22 

The company changed its name in 1856, it having pre- 
viously been known as Reeves, Buck & Co, It was now incor- 
porated by act of the Legislature, and obtained the title of 
" The Cumberland Nail & Iron Works." Robert C. Nichols 
was President and Superintendent of the company in 1856. 
Robert S. Buck succeeded him in 1867. In 1877, his son, 
Robert J. Buck, became President, with Chester J. Buck as 
Superintendent. The two latter gentlemen still retain the 
presidency and management of the works, with John M. 
Reeves, Secretary and Treasurer. 

From the twenty-six hands employed in 1822, the number 
has increased until the employes now exceed four hundred 
men and boys. To this army of workmen the company pays 
wages at the rate of ^150,000 per annum. The product 
turned out every year amounts to 4,000,000 feet of pipe and 
140,000 kegs of nails. There are manufactured at the works 
220 kinds of nails, from the two-penny to the eight-inch spike. 
Among them are boat nails, casing nails, finishing nails, 
tobacco-box nails, trunk nails, brads, etc. In gas, steam and 
water pipes, the smallest pipe made is one-eighth of an inch, 
inside diameter, and the largest, three and one-half inches. 
The nails and pipe are chiefly sold in New York, Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore, from which points they are frequently 
shipped to California, South America, and other remote parts 
of the world. 

In the great business in which it is engaged, " The 
Cumberland Nail & Iron Works," consumes a vast amount of 
raw material. In a single year over 11,275 tons of iron are 
used, at a cost of 5202,950; 5,600 tons of iron ore, at a cost 
of 539,200; 15,750 tons of coal, at an outlay of $63,000; 
650,000 feet of lumber, at an expense of 56,500. The amount 
paid out for raw material, labor, etc., approximates a half 
million dollars annually, which is a sum equal to the capital 
stock. 

The company has fifteen engines of various makes, six- 
teen steam boilers, ninety nail machines and six welding 



~0 

furnaces. They also own a fine steamer known as the " Laura 
B," and two large barges, which convey nails and pipe, raw 
material, and other freight to and from the works. 

No manufacturing establishment in the country can boast 
of a better or more faithful class of employes. Many of them 
have been continuously in the employ of the company for 
periods of from twenty to sixty years. John Husted, weigh- 
master, has served sixty-three years ; William Hetzell, foreman 
of the cooper shop, sixty-one years ; Charles Holmes, nailer, 
fifty-eight years ; George Woodruff, sheet mill shears, fifty-six 
years ; William Naglee, roller, fifty-one years ; James Lindsay, 
roller, thirty-eight years ; Sheppard Howell, puddler, forty- 
four years ; Benjamin Shaffer, stocker, thirty-eight years ; Elijah 
Hider, roller, thirty-one years ; Henry Hummell, engineer, 
thirty-seven years ; Edgar Riley, foreman nail mill, thirty-five 
years ; William H. Loper, roller, twenty-seven years ; Thomas 
Rose, wheeler, forty-two years ; Providence Long, carrier, fifty 
years ; Benjamin Ford, nailer, thirty-five years ; Albert 
Dalton, nailer, thirty-five years ; Capt. Ephraim Burch, of the 
" Laura," has also served the company thirty years. Robert 
L. Young, foreman of the rolling mill, has served in that respon- 
sible position twenty-two years. Also, Hugh Moncrief, nailer, 
fifty years ; W. H. H. Elwell, master mechanic, thirty-one 
years ; Charles J, Howell, nailer, thirty-five years ; Robert 
Smith, nailer, thirty-eight years ; Charles H. Boone, nailer, 
thirty-five years ; John B. Nieukirk, blacksmith, twenty-six 
years ; Charles H. Dare, assistant blacksmith, twenty-five 
years ; Joseph C. Brooks, prover, pipe mill, thirty-five years ; 
John W. Seeley, welder, pipe mill, twenty years ; Frank 
Woodruff, nailer, twenty-eight years ; Joseph Abbott, annealer, 
twenty years; John V. Booblitz, nailer, twenty vears; Charles 
F. Booblitz, nailer, twenty years ; Dennis Dougherty, mason, 
twenty-five years ; Ephriani Buck, mason, twenty years ; 
William Ganns, puddler, thirty-five years ; Joseph Gravies, 
pipe mill, fifty-two years ; Capt. Levi A. Wood, scrap packer, 
forty-two years ; James R. Sellers, foreman, sheet mill, forty-two 
ears. 



24 

In the cooper shop, where the barrels and kegs of the 
company are made, Charles Hetzell has been employed fifty 
years ; Samuel Wilson, forty years ; Dayton Riley, forty-eight 
years ; James W. Murphy, thirty-five years ; William Herman, 
twenty-five years. Of such a record, both company and 
employes may well be proud. 



COHANSEY GLASS WORKS. 

The oldest glass manufactory in Bridgeton is that known as 
the " Cohansey Glass Works." It was founded in 1836 by 
Stratton, Buck & Co. The first factory was a small building, 
with very primitive facilities. The furnace was of crude manu- 
facture, and the pots weak in structure. The fires were fed^ 
by pine wood, of which commodity immense quantities were 
burned. Small bottles were the first articles manufactured. 
The business was not much of a success, and after it had con- 
tinued a few years the works passed into the hands of a Mr. 
Rosenbaum. He held possession but a short time, when Joel 
Bodine assumed charge. Maul, Hebrew & Co. afterward 
controlled the property and managed it until 1857, when a 
new firm, Gen. David Potter, of Bridgeton, and F. L. Bodine, 
of Philadelphia, under the title of Potter & Bodine, came to 
the front. This partnership continued until 1863, when the 
firm again changed and took the name of F. & J. N. Bodine & 
Co. The Co. was dropped soon after, and the business prose- 
cuted under the proprietorship of F. & J. N. Bodine solely. 
In 1879 it was incorporated and took the style and title of 
"Cohansey Glass Manufacturing Company." The present 
officers of the company are : President, F. L. Bodine ; Vice- 
President, J. NT Bodine ; Secretary, W. G. Millikin ; Assistant 
Secretary, W. M. Bodine. City office. No. 32 N. Fourth 
street, Philadelphia. 

The plant of the company, located at the foot of Pearl street, 
is one of the most valuable in the State. It is situate directly 




u 



■^ 






.sfc im^. 



-^3 

on the Cohansey river and has nav^igation at its ver)' doors. 
The West Jersey Railroad extension runs along Glass street 
directly through the factory yard, thus bringing the works 
into connection with the outside world by rail. Shipments 
are thereby made to almost every point of the compass with 
but little delay. 

The works cov^er an area of about six acres, and consist of 
three window-glass and two hollow-ware factories. They are 
thoroughly equipped with all the modern facilities for the 
successful production of glass. The company is now running 
four houses, two engaged in the manuficturc of bottles and two 
turning out window-glass. When all the factories are in opera- 
tion the company employs about five hundred men and boys. 
They are now employing some four hundred, and paying about 
^10,000 per month for wages. The value of glassware manufac- 
tured at the Cohansey works exceeds $300,000 annually. An 
estimate of the amount of raw material used in the factories per 
annum shows the following : 4,000 tons of white sand ; 800 
tons of lime; 800 tons of soda; 1,500,000 feet of lumber and 
box boards ; 8,000 tons of coal ; 1,200 tons of coke ; 400 tons 
of German and American clay, and about 2,000 cords of wood; 
together with 200 tons of hay and straw, with large quantities 
of nails and other necessities incident to the business. 

The company manufacture all kinds of hollow-ware such as 
bottles for druggists' use ; phials, beer and v/ine bottles ; fruit 
jars ; bottles and jars for acid, and carboys or demijohns in 
large numbers. Window-glass, double and single strength, 
and every grade of glass in that line is turned out. The 
specialty of the company is the " Cohansey Fruit Jar," on 
which the owners have a special patent. This jar is one of 
the finest in the market and has a ready sale. From special 
moulds the company also manufactures a variety of glass-ware 
for private parties, among them a handsome syrup bottle for 
an Eastern firm. The works are run by steam with a fifty 
horse-power engine. This engine runs the machine shop, 
the batch-mixer, and almost everything connected with the 
factories. 



26 

The capital stock and plant of the " Cohansey Glass Com- 
pany " are valued at ^250,000. It is a fine property, and the 
business since the day when the Bodine Brothers took charge 
has proved a great success, so much so, that it is now classed 
as one of the most prosperous glass establishments in the 
country. 

The company also has a large store where a heavy business 
is done in dry goods, groceries and provisions. George W. 
Ireland is manager. 



EAST LAKE WOOLEN MILL. 

The fine four-story brick structure standing on the western 
bank of East Lake, at the corner of East avenue and Com- 
merce street, is one of the heaviest manufacturing establish- 
ments in the city. Reference has already been made to its 
earlier history. Within a few years the mill has passed 
into the hands of an organization known as the " East 
Lake Woolen Co." Its officers are as follows ; President, 
Jonathan Elmer ; Vice-president, George W. Patton ; Secretary, 
Edward A. Green ; Treasurer, James G. Shaw ; Superintendent, 
Joseph T. Ashworth. 

Recent improvements have added largely to the capacity 
of the mill, and it now has facilities equal to those of the best 
woolen manufacturing establishments of the country. The 
company has a capital of ;$300,000 invested in its plant, mill, 
machinery and raw material. One hundred hands — men, 
young women and boys, are given constant employment the 
year round. The wages paid to employes exceeds ^3,000 
per month, or about ^40,000 per annum. 

The machinery consists of thirty-five looms, improved 
Broad & Knowles, with every modern appliance for the turn- 
ing out of first-class woolen goods. Wool is taken in its raw 
state, cleaned, sorted, and made ready for the loom, from which 
it emerges in the shape of all-wool cassimeres in the latest and 



27 

best designs. In the manufacture of cloth and cassimere, the 
company uses 250,000 pounds of wool annually, together with 
510,000 worth of silk thread, assorted colors. The total output 
of woolen goods per year amounts to 5100,000 in value. 

The mill is run by steam power, and has three boilers of 
125-horse power each. It has powerful engines, and is one of 
the best equipped factories in the world. When steam cannot 
be used, the company has a fine water power, drawn from 
East Lake. 



FERRACUTE MACHINE WORKS. 

The establishment known as the " Ferracute Machine 
Works " is splendidly located on the southeastern bank of 
East Lake, a beautiful sheet of water in the immediate vicinity 
of Bridgeton proper. The original factory was but a small 
shop on Laurel street, where, twenty years ago, Smith & Webb 
carried on business with a force of three men. In 1877, the 
company was re-organized and incorporated under the above 
title. Since then it has grown to far greater proportions, until 
now its plant, consisting of main shop for the manufacture of 
presses, the erecting and forging shops, pattern shop, draught- 
ing rooms and offices, etc., etc., cover nearly an acre of territory. 
Eighty men, nearly all skilled workmen, are constantly 
employed, turning out one hundred and ten different styles 
of presses, lathes, dies and other tools for making articles in 
sheet metal, and for general work in cutting, pressing and 
forming leather and paper goods, together with special appa- 
ratus, solder tools and other machinery for working bar and 
sheet metals. Among the products of the Ferracute Co., 
are machines for making dust pans, milk pans, dinner plates, 
brass bells, electrical gong bells, spear heads, tin colanders, army 
and sportsmen's buckles, match safes, fruit knives, watch cases, 
sugar tongs, curtain rings, percussion caps, blacking boxes, lamp 



28 

frames, metallic shingles, etc., etc. Some of the specialties 
manufactured are those articles invented by Mr. Oberlin Smith, 
the head of the company, who is one of the most accomplished 
draughtsmen and skilful inventors of the day. One of them, 
known as the " Rotary Squeezer," is in use by the great Stand- 
ard Oil Company for the work of fastening the heads of the 
square five-gallon oil cans, and another is the " Dipping 
Machine," used for soldering the heads on said cans. It is 
said that these machines save ^50 per day in solder alone. 
Other specialties gotten out at the " Ferracute," are pill 
machines for producing conxpressed tablets for druggists, at 
the rate of 100 per minute ; a new machine for making nails 
from tin scrap, and a series of presses called " Parabolic," which 
are adapted to a large variety of work. They also manu- 
facture the " Screw and Drop " presses, and many small tools 
used by can-makers and metal-workers. The presses, dies and 
other machinery made at these works are shipped to all parts 
of the world, orders being frequently filled for Newfoundland, 
Nova Scotia, California, the Gulf States, Australia, China, 
Japan, South America and various sections of Europe. 

The Ferracute shops are fitted with the best appliances and 
latest improved machinery. They are lighted with electricity 
— the incandescent light being furnished from the company's 
own dynamo. Special appliances for loading machinery, with 
ten-ton scales, crane, track and car connecting with the tracks 
of the West Jersey Railroad, which run close to the establish- 
ment, make facilities for the quick transportation of goods 
second to none in Bridgeton. Additional shop-room for the 
erection of heavy machinery has been recently made. Power 
for running the machinery of the several shops is furnished by 
a fifty-horse engine and sixty-horse boiler. 

The company has about ^120,000 invested in its plant, and 
pays out 51,000 per week in wages. It manufactures ^ 100,000 
worth of goods annually. The following is a list of its offi- 
cers : President, Oberlin Smith ; Secretary and Treasurer, 
Fred. Smith ; Superintendent, S. Ashton Hand. 



29 



CUMBERLAND GLASS MANUFACTURING 
COMPANY. 

CLARK WINDOW GLASS COMPANY. 

The Cumberland Glass Company was organized in August, 
1880, and a factory built the same year. Since then the works 
have been moved from the former site on Water street, and 
four hollow-ware factories erected on North Laurel street, near 
the line of the New Jersey Central Railroad. Its officers are: 
R. E. Shoemaker, President ; S. M. Bassett, Superintendent 
and Secretary ; C. W. Shoemaker, Treasurer. 

This company employs 300 men and boys. It pays wages 
at the rate of ^$9,000 per month, or about $95,000 annually. 
Capital invested $150,000. Value of bottles manufactured 
per fire, $200,000. No specialties are manufactured, but the 
company turns out almost every variety of bottle in colored and 
green glass. Raw material is consumed annually as follows : 
1,400 tons of soda ; 3,000 tons of sand; 48,000 bushels of lime; 
6,000 tons of coal ; 1,400,000 feet of lumber, etc. 

The Clark Window Glass Company was established in 
December, 1882. It has a capital of $25,000 invested in one 
factory, the latter being fitted with every modern glass-making 
facility. Fifty hands are employed, and about $2,500 per 
month paid in wages. Ware produced per annum, $60,000 
value. In the running of the window-glass furnace, the Clark 
Company uses two tons of soda per day ; four tons of sand ; 
two tons of lime, and large quantities of hay and straw ; also, 
German and American clay in the manufacture of pots. 

Both the Cumberland Glass Manufacturing Company and 
the Clark Window Glass Company, are successful companies, 
and among the best in the country. 

Officers of Clark Window Glass Company : C. H. Shoe- 
maker, President; S. M. Bassett, Secretary'; W. C. Mulford, 
Treasurer. 



30 



The Cumberland Glass Company has a large factory store 
immediately connected with their works, in which a heavy 
business is transacted with the workmen, their families and the 
residents of that portion of Bridgeton in which the factories 
are situated. The store is managed by Richard Brockson. 



COX & SONS' MACHINE WORKS. 

During the year 1868, Stephen Cox, Sr., Wm. E. Cox, and 
Stephen Cox, Jr., established the extensive machine works 
and iron foundry which bear their name. All the members of 
the firm have a practical knowledge of the business they 
pursue, and are skilled mechanics and inventors. The com- 
pany has an office at their works in Bridgeton ; also at 204 
North Fourth street, Philadelphia, the latter under the charge 
of Wm. P. Cox. It also has an agency at 75 Water street, 
Pittsburgh, Pa. The shops, foundry and plant, located on 
Water street. West Bridgeton, near the Cohansey river, cover 
about two acres of ground, and extend over 21,000 feet of 
floor space. The property has a frontage on Water street 
of 175 feet, with a wharf line of 250 feet on the Cohansey. 

Cox & Sons are manufacturers of improved low-pressure 
steam-heating apparatus, improved vertical and horizontal 
engines and boilers, pipe-screwing and tapping machinery, 
pipe-screwing stocks and dies, cast and wrought-iron fittings, 
flattening ovens with circular and straight bars, grinding 
machines, and other machinery for glass factories. Castings 
are made in the foundry from an ounce to five tons' weight. 
Special attention is paid to the manufacture of engines and 
boilers. Last year the firm shipped pipe-cutting and thread 
machinery to both Russia and Germany ; also manufactured 
and shipped to Mexico a 250-horse-power engine and three 
large boilers, for a silver mine in that country, where the 
Messrs. Cox have an extensive trade. Considerable Govern- 
ment work is also done for the New York and Norfolk Navy 



31 

Yards, Estimates are now being made for a steam-power 
plant for a gold mine in South America. Within a few years, 
Cox & Sons have furnished steam-heating facilities for the Odd- 
fellows' Home, the Presbyterian Home, the Lutheran Home, 
and other institutions of Philadelphia. They have also 
equipped numerous private residences in various parts of the 
country in the same manner. 

The raw material used in the shops and foundry is of the 
best and finest quality. Bituminous coal is burned in the 
furnaces ; also coke, in large quantities. Five hundred tons 
of the best pig iron, also many tons of bar iron and steel, are 
annually worked up into castings, boilers and machinery. 
The buildings are three stories high, brick material, with slate 
roofs, and present an imposing appearance. One hundred 
skilled workmen — machinists, moulders, boilermakers — and 
apprentices, are kept constantly employed, to whom wages 
amounting to ^2,500 per month are paid. The plant of the 
company is estimated at $80,000. 



GETSINGER GLASS WORKS. 

Bridgeton has twenty glass factories, but few of them have 
transacted so large an amount of business as the works owned 
and managed by John E. Getsinger & Son. The manufacture 
of window glass was first begun in a new factory, near Mul- 
berry street, on what is known as the Steamboat Landing, in 
the Spring of 1879. Since then the plant has been moved to 
the fine location on Grove street, South Bridgeton. The site 
overlooks the Cohansey river, and is accessible by both water 
navigation and rail — a branch of the West Jersey Railroad 
connecting the factories with the main line. There are three 
large window-glass factories and one hollow-ware house. The 
firm employs two hundred men and boys, the blowers being 
skilled workmen, and pay wages amounting to $7,000 per 
month; capital invested in business $75,000. The factories 



32 

and shops which constitute the works cover five acres of land. 
Mason fruit jars and bottles of almost every variety, with 
window glass of the best quality, are annually manufactured 
to the value of ,$200,000. 

In the work of carrying on their large business, Getsinger 
& Son use 6,000 tons of lime per fire ; 2,500 tons of white 
sand ; 600 tons of lime ; 600 tons of soda ; 6,000 tons of coal ; 
r,ooo tons of coke ; 300 tons of German and American clay (the 
firm manufacture their own pots); 1,000 cords of wood; 
1,000,000 feet of lumber; 100 tons of hay; 50 tons of straw 
(both of the latter for packing glass) ; 20 tons of iron, and 200 
kegs of nails. 

Getsinger & Son manufacture all sizes of window glass, 
making a specialty of double-thick plates, known as the 
" Newton Brand," which have become famous in the glass 
market. They ship most of their ware to New York, Phila- 
delphia and points in the South and West. The factories are 
run by steam power. 

MORE, JONAS & MORE GLASS WORKS. 

The glass works located on the West Jersey Railroad, in 
North Bridgeton, near Bank street, were established by the 
firm of More, Jonas & More — the individual members being 
Robert More, Jr., George Jonas and Richard More. This 
company erected a hollow-ware glass factory, and made it a 
success. The first fire was placed under the furnace in March, 
1 882. Every description of bottles, principally druggists'-ware, 
are manufactured. 

Since the hollow-ware business was begun the firm has 
entered into a partnership with Robert More, Sr., and Wm. H. 
Allen, for the purpose of manufacturing window-glass. The 
title of the organization is More, Jonas, More & Co. They 
own and run one factory. 

The two companies employ one hundred and seventy-five 
men and boys, to whom they pay wages to the amount of 
,$6,000 monthly. Their product in window-glass and bottles 





^8«K~i»« 



If 






' TJS" 



33 

amounts to $125,000 per year. Capital invested, about ^50,000. 
In raw material the two companies consume 3 tons of soda, 
3 tons of lime, 15 tons of coal and 8 tons of sand per day. 
They use 500,000 feet of lumber for boxes, etc., every year. 
In the manufacture of pots they use large quantities of both 
American and German clay, and one ton of straw and hay per 
week for packing purposes. The factories are connected with 
the West Jersey Railroad by a siding, with one-quarter mile 
track, also by siding with the New Jersey Central Railroad. 

PERFECTION FUNNEL WORKS. 

The manufacture of funnels is a distinct industry, and is a 
new thing in this country, and the "Perfection Funnel Works," 
Augustus Gersdorff, Proprietor, located in East Bridgeton, 
near East Lake, is said to be the only establishment devoted 
exclusively to this work anywhere in the world. The works 
are well supplied with special facilities for the production of 
the funnels, which Mr. Gersdorff invented and on which he 
has letters patent. Nine machines, presses and lathes are used 
in the works, besides several soldering machines. The "Per- 
fection Funnel " is manufactured, in all standard sizes, of tin, 
copper and glass, and when complete, with the strainer, is the 
finest and best funnel made. Mr. Gersdorff's shops are 
divided into apartments, where the several branches of the 
business are carried on. There is a room where the tin and 
copper is cut and shaped, another where the funnels are burn- 
ished on a cloth wheel until they shine like beaten gold, and 
still another where the finishing touches are placed upon them 
and thus made ready for the market. Twent}- men and boys 
are employed in the factory. The plant is valued at $30,000. 
Wages paid per month, $600. Product of the establishment, 
3,000 funnels per day, or about 1,000,000 per year. 

Main office of the works, 1904 Seventh street, N. W., 
Washington, D. C. Nelson Bavier, Superintendent, office at 
the works, Bridgeton, N. J. 



34 



BOTTLE MOULD FACTORY. 

In 1883 Richard Trenchard and Charles D. Crickler entered 
into partnership, and began the manufacture of bottle moulds 
in a small room on Broad street. They started with the help 
of a small boy in addition to their own, and from this humble 
beginning have advanced, year by year, until they now have 
one of the largest factories of the kind in the country. The 
building is of brick, three stories, located on Atlantic street, near 
Commerce. Messrs. Trenchard & Crickler employ from twelve 
to fifteen men, all of them skilful mechanics ; ^600 per month 
is paid in wages. The firm have ^15,000 invested in building 
and machinery. Mr. Crickler, the junior member, is a practical 
mould maker, and has a perfect knowledge of the business. 
He states that the factory can turn out any design of mould 
for the manufacture of articles produced in glass. The moulds 
are fine specimens of workmanship, and are made part by 
machinery and part by hand. The raw material is chilled cast 
iron; ;^I2,000 worth of moulds are manufactured every year, 
and the firm supplies moulds for all of the Bridgeton glass 
factories, and also many outside parties. They ship moulds 
as far as Canada, and have filled orders for factories in Southern 
States. In addition to mould production, Trenchard & Crickler 
manufacture presses for shaping glass into signs, etc. They 
have just finished a press for G. G. Green, the patent medicine 
man, which manufactures the most perfect glass sign ever 
invented. It is a fine piece of workmanship. The factory is 
run by steam, and is complete with lathes, drilling presses, 
planers, and every species of machinery required in the 
business. 

LOTT'S MILL. 

Lott's Flour Mill, located near the Cumberland Nail and 
Iron Works, West Bridgeton, was founded in 1820, by Daniel 
P. Stratton. It is run both by steam and water, and has a fine 



JD 



water power, to which there is a perpetual right. Richard 
Lott purchased the mill in 1858. and ran it, continually, for a 
period of thirty years. Recenth' the mill passed into the 
control of R. Lott, Jr., & Co., the senior Lott becoming a 
silent partner. The establishment is a full roller flour mill, 
twelve reductions. It was changed from a stone mill in 1887. 
Capacity seventy-five barrels per day. The finest grades of 
roller flour are produced ; 50,000 bushels of grain are ground 
annually. The flour under three brands, " Excelsior," 
"Cream of Wheat," and "Low Grade," is sold mainly to the 
stores in Bridgeton and vicinity, and is very popular with 
housewives. Among the special and improved machinery of 
Lett's Mill is one of the Richmond City (Indiana) Packers, 
which packs a barrel or bag of flour within one ounce of the 
desired weight. Value of mill property ^25,000. 



LUCKNOW PAPER MILL. 

The Moorhouse & Lenhart Paper Manufacturing Establish- 
ment began operations in April, 1886, under the name 
mentioned. It is located at the foot of Water street, West 
Bridgeton, near the river, an admirable situation for the busi- 
ness. The buildings are of brick, two and a half stories high, 
with extensive frame additions, one story. Walter Moor- 
house is the manager in charge of the mill. He employs 
forty men and women. Wages, ^1,000 per month. The 
machinery, which comprises every variety of apparatus for the 
perfect production of paper, is run by steam power, with two 
engines, of 150 and 25-horse power, respectively. Five thou- 
sand pounds of book paper, white and colored, are manufactured 
daily. The paper is made from rag sorts purchased of dealers 
in old paper, and, after cleansing, it goes through a pulverizing 
and regenerating process, until it finally appears from the rolls 
in a perfect state, ready for the market. The company values 
its plant at ^^ 5 0,000. 



36 

EAST LAKE GLASS WORKS. 

Messrs. Kirby & McBride, proprietors of the above-named 
works, have a fine factory, located in East Bridgeton, on the 
line of the N. J. Central Railroad, Cumberland and Maurice 
River branch. The works were founded in 1885. Hollow- 
ware only is manufactured, the principal production being 
wine and beer bottles. Capital invested in the business,. 
;^io,000; value of glass produced per year, ;^75,ooo. Eighty 
men and boys are employed, and wages paid amount to 
;$3,500 per month. In the work of glass manufacture, Kirby 
& McBride use 365 tons of soda per annum ; 840 tons of 
sand; 12,000 bushels of lime ; 1,600 tons of coal ; 400 bushels 
of salt; 315 cords of wood; and 350,000 feet of lumber (the 
latter principally boards for the manufacture of packing boxes). 
David .McBride, Superintendent and Manager. 

PEARL RIVER MILLS. 

At Riverside, South Bridgeton, wonderful improvements 
have recently been made. During the past Winter the above- 
named mills were erected. The building is of brick, two 
hundred and fift}^ feet in length by forty in width, with an L 
one hundred by seventy. The engine house attached is fifty 
by sixty, and there is an office thirty by forty. The structure 
has an elevator with tower, the latter forty feet high. The 
mill§ are run by steam, and have an engine of one hundred and 
fifty horse power. The factory proper consists of four " long 
mills " for the manufacture of enamelled and rubber cloth, and 
carriage goods. These mills take the material and pass it 
through a method somewhat similar to that used in the pro- 
duction of calico, using the same printing machines. The 
plant covers 20,000 square feet of floor space, and the premises 
occupy over two acres of ground. The mills employ sixty 
men, women and children, and produce 4,800 yards of cloth 
per day, about 1,500,000 yards a year. Besides this, they 



have space and power to double the capacity. $600 per week 
is paid as wages. Machinery is of latest design, and worth 
$25,000. The capital invested in the business amounts to 
$50,000. The cloth, when finished, is of superior quality. It 
is sent to a commission house in New York, from whence it is 
shipped to all parts of the world. E. P. Tappey, of Bridgeton, 
is Superintendent and Manager of the mills. 





<f*r 



•?•■}**■"■ 



L_. 



ilu.Mu Knithnl. -MiLi. 



The Home Knitting Mills, George H. Selb, Proprietor, 
began business at Riverside, South Bridgeton, in April. 
The mills are built of brick, three stories high, thirty by forty 
feet on the ground floor, with wing fourteen by fourteen. The 
plant is valued at $10,000. Mr. Selb is a practical workman 
in his line of business, and has the factory in good shape, well 
supplied with machinery and other necessary equipments. The 
mills contain fifty-two knitting machines, capable of manu- 
facturing two thousand dozen of hosiery per week. The 
machinery is all new. Four thousand pounds of yarn per 
week, or ninety tons per year will be the amount of raw 
material used, together with large quantities of worsted, 



38 

Egyptian cotton and Lisle thread. The goods manufactured 
will be principally fine seamless hosiery, leggings, mittens and 
underwear. Seventy-eight men and women will be employed 
throughout the year, and ;^2,ooo wages paid each month. 

THE PACKING INDUSTRY. 

Bridgeton has six canning factories where vegetables and 
fruits are packed. This industry has grown rapidly within the 
past few years, and is now one of the heaviest in the Middle 
States. The canned goods are shipped by water and rail to 
Philadelphia, Boston, New York and other leading cities. 

The first canning establishment located in Bridgeton was 
erected by Stein Edwards, about i860. It passed into the 
hands of Warner & Rhodes, of Philadelphia, in 1866, by whom 
it has since been conducted. In May, 1888, it was incorpo- 
rated as the West Jersey Packing Company. The works are 
located on Irving avenue, near what is known as Indian Fields, 
but the office of the company is at No. 23 South Front street, 
Philadelphia. The following is a list of its officers : President, 
Chas. M. Rhodes ; Vice-President, T. M. Towle ; Secretary, 
Andrew J. Slack ; Treasurer, W. F. Hort. T. M. Towle, 
Superintendent and Manager of factory. The company manu- 
facture their own cans, and pack from 700,000 to 1,000,000 
cans yearly. About 2,500 boxes of tin plate and four tons of 
solder are used in the business. A great variety of vegetables 
and fruits are packed. Tomatoes and peaches are a specialty. 
Lima beans and sweet potatoes are also among the principal 
staples canned. The firm manufacture catsups and salad 
dressing under three brands, " Standard," " Bugle," and " Daisy." 
These constitute the brands of the canned goods which have 
become celebrated. During the busy season — from June to 
November — the company employ one hundred and seventy- 
five hands, male and female, and pays out ^1,300 per week 
as wages. They pay farmers, for produce, from ^8,000 to 
;^ 1 0,000 each season. The works are run b)^ steam power 
and the plant is valued at $25,000. 



39 

The next oldest canning house is that of John W. Stout, 
located at the corner of Bank street and Irving avenue. It 
was formerly the property of Stout, Dyer & Wicks. John W. 
Stout obtained entire control in the Spring of 1865, At this 
factory, fruits, vegetables, Lima beans, pumpkins, and tomatoes 
are canned in great abundance. The output will exceed 
6oo,oco cans per year. In the manufacture of cans 2,500 
boxes of tin plate and four tons of solder are used. Mr. Stout 
not only purchases metal for can making, but also for solder, 
which he also manufactures. The trade mark of goods turned 
out at this factory is familiar in the canned-goods market. It 
is known as the " Red X." In the Summer and fall months 
Mr. Stout employs one hundred and seventy-five men, women 
and girls, and has paid as high as ^ i , 1 00 wages per week. The 
factory is supplied with steam-heating apparatus. Cox's Cap- 
ping Machine, and every improved device for successful pack- 
ing. Wm. L. Morris is Superintendent and Manager of the 
factory, and has been for the past twenty-four years. The office 
is at No. 96 Barclay street. New York. Plant valuation, 
;^ 2 5, 000. 

The Cumberland County Packing and Canning Company, 
formerly the Diamond Packing Company, has been in exist- 
ence as an incorporated organization since the Spring of 1887. 
The factory was erected under the eye of Mr. L. J. Wick, who 
was an accomplished packer, having a thorough knowledge of 
the business. It is situate near Grove street, on the Cohansey 
river. South Bridgeton, an admirable location. The plant, 
valued at ;^25,ooo, covers some two acres of ground. The 
company manufacture and pack 800,000 cans each year, the 
principal articles being tomatoes, sweet potatoes, Bartlett 
pears, Lima beans. They also put up the famous " Diamond " 
Catsup. Two hundred men, women, and children are em- 
ployed in the busy season, and $ i ,000 wages paid every week. 
The company use the patent Packing Machines, and other first- 
class facilities. Two thousand tons of tomatoes are packed 
yearly, and ^15,000 paid farmers for produce. Three thousand 



40 

boxes of tin plate and five tons of solder are used in the 
manufacture of cans. The company is officered as follows : 
President, Daniel G. Evans; Secretary, D. M. Huntley; 
Treasurer, Geo. W. Turner; Superintendent, H. K. Chew. 

The B. S. Ayars Canning Factory was located on Water 
street. West Bridgeton, in the Spring of 1880, it having been 
removed from Greenwich. The location is near the river. 
Mr. Ayars packs the "A" brand tomatoes chiefly. In the 
manufacture of cans he uses about two thousand boxes of tin 
plate and three tons of solder, and packs 500,000 cans annually, 
although he has put up as many as 650,000 cans. In Summer 
he employs one hundred and fifty men, women and girls, and 
pays wages amounting to about ;^8oo a week. To farmers 
he pays from ^8,000 to ^10,000 a season. Valuation of plant, 
^15,000. It requires a large amount of capital, however, to 
run Mr, Ayars' business, as he has another canning establish- 
ment located at Snow Hill, Maryland. For produce he has, 
some years, paid as high as ;^40,ooo to growers. 

Messrs. Probasco & Laning (a view of their factory 
appears in this work) began the packing business in 1883. 
The " Silver Lake Tomatoes " are a specialty with them, but 
they also can squashes, pumpkins, and some other vegetables. 
Their factory is complete in every part. It has the " Harrison 
Conveyor," manufactured by Borden, Schick & Co., Chicago, 
which carries off all refuse without hand labor, thus econo- 
mized several days per year in the way of help. The firm also 
have " Burts' Burners " for heating purposes, and the Acme 
Automatic Oil Engine. The factory is directly on the river, 
and is connected with the large cities by water and rail. One 
hundred and forty men, women, and boys are kept busy 
during the canning season, and $4,000 per month paid in wages. 
The factory is run by steam power. From 500,000 to 600,000 
cans are manufactured every year. Twenty-five hundred 
boxes of tin plate and three tons of solder are used. The pack 
equals 500,000 annually. Capital invested, $20,000. The 
members of the firm are Francis C. Probasco, Wm. Laning. 



41 

John F. Brady, Robert G. McGcar and C. H. Vannaman, 
started a canning factory on Clark street, North Bridgeton, 
in the Spring of 1887, under the firm name of J. F. Brady & 
Co. They pack the " Turkey " brand of tomatoes, peaches, 
pears, Lima beans, and manufacture jelhes and catsups. The 
factory is connected by siding with New Jersey Central Rail- 
road. One hundred and fifty hands are employed during the 
season, and $4,000 per month paid in wages. 500,000 cans of 
goods are packed. The company's plant is valued at $15,000. 

PLANING MILLS AND LUMBER YARDS. 

There are four large dealers in lumber in Bridgeton, each 
having extensive lumber yards and saw and planing mills. 

The oldest firm is that of D. B. & W. C. VVhitaker, estab- 
lished in i860. Their steam saw mill and yard is located on 
the river front, No. 16 Cohansey avenue. Messrs. Whitaker 
work up and sell over 1,000,000 feet of lumber a year. They 
employ from thirty to forty carpenters, and contract and build 
from fifteen to twenty houses, stores and other buildings every 
year, in addition to a large amount of jobbing and repairing. 
Doors, sash, blinds, and all the necessary woodwork for the 
erection of buildings are put in shape at the planing mill. 
^2,000 per month are paid out in wages. Mr. W. C. Whitaker, 
the senior member of the firm, draws plans and specifications 
for buildings in frame, stone or brick, and has a fine reputa- 
tion both in that line and as a contractor and builder. The 
firm have about $25,000 invested in the business. 

Smith & Conover, located at the foot of Broad street, 
near the bridge, have large lumber yards and steam saw and 
planing mill. They are contractors and builders, and manu- 
facture doors, blinds, sash, and other woodwork. Twenty-five 
men are employed in building operations, to whom about 
1^1,500 per month is paid as wages. The firm handle about 
1,000,000 feet of lumber annually, and build about twenty 
houses and stores. The firm furnish plans and specifications 
for buildings. The business was established in 1875. Capital 
invested, $25,000. 



42 



A. F. Randolph, contractor and builder, has a large steam 
saw mill and lumber yard on the Cohansej'' river, near South 
Laurel street. He employs some fifty workmen, and pays 
wages amounting to $2,000 per month. Manufactures doors, 
blinds, sash, etc., and uses 1,500,000 feet of lumber a year. 
Builds from twenty to twenty-five buildings, stores, etc. 
Draws plans and specifications. ;$25,000 invested in plant. 
Began business, on the present site, in 1884. 

Ackley & Allen have a steam saw mill and lumber yard 
on Railroad avenue, near the West Jersey Railroad Depot. 
They began business in 1886, and are contractors and builders. 
They make doors, sash and blinds, and use about 800,000 feet 
of lumber each year. Employ fifteen men, and pay ;^ 1,200 per 
month as wages. Capital invested, about $15,000. 











„,.^. 



" cEDARBROOKb " GREENHOUsLa. 



One of the most beautiful places near Bridgeton is that 
owned by Stein Edwards & Sons, at " Cedarbrooks," Irving 
avenue. This enterprising firm was first established in 1873, 
but the senior Edwards had previously carried on the business 
in a small way for a number of years. In the year named 
the business of growing hothouse plants and flowers was taken 



43 

up in earnest, and a large amount of capital invested. One 
greenhouse was built, but now the firm own thirteen, which 
contain 40,000 square feet of glass. The houses have all the 
latest improvements for the successful growing of plants and 
flowers, and are heated by pipes filled with hot water. The 
stream that furnishes the City of Bridgeton with water flows 
within a few feet of the greenhouses, through scenes of great 
natural beauty. Cut flowers are a specialty with the Edwards', 
and thousands are shipped yearly to New York and Philadel- 
phia. Roses — Jacks, Marechal Neil, La France — Violets, 
Pansies, Carnations, are grown in profusion. The firm will 
pick 100,000 Carnations this year. Forget-me-nots, Mignon- 
ettes, and other beautiful flowers are also grown. The Freesia- 
Refrecta-Alba is one of the flowers in greatest demand, and the 
firm now have orders for 73,000 bulbs of that variety. The 
Bigonia Venusta is another specialty, 1600 clusters of which 
are cut each year. Messrs. Edwards have a large stock of 
palms and foliage plants, and value their plant at |>20,ooo. 
They grow from ;^7,ooo to ^^ 10,000 worth of plants and 
flowers yearly. 

BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS. 

The building association has done much toward making 
Bridgeton a " city of homes," thus adding to its wealth and 
general prosperity. The small deposit monthly has grown 
in volume until wealth has come in the shape of handsome 
homes and attractive surroundings. 

The oldest association is " The Bridgeton Saving Fund 
and Building Association," established in June, 1865. Since 
that time it has loaned ;$ 1,500,000 on bond and mortgage. 
Every two years a new series is issued and stock taken. 
Payments are made monthly, at the rate of ;^l per share. 
About eleven years is required for the maturing of the series, 
when the ^i share has reached the value of $200. The share- 
holder is then paid the value of his shares in cash, or, if he 
has drawn them out for the purpose of building, his account 



44 

is cancelled, and he comes into possession of his property, 
free of incumbrance. Seven series of stock have already run 
out in this association. The eighth series will be complete 
Avithin a year. Five series are now running. At the last 
annual report they were valued as follows: 192 shares, 8th 
series, ^171.24 per share, ;$32, 878.08 ; 402 shares, 9th series, 
^122.90 per share, ;^49,405.8o; 659 shares, loth series, ;^88.42 
per share, $58,268.78; 573 shares, nth series, $57.21 per 
share, $32,781.33 ; 758 shares, 12th series, $27.1 1 per share, 
$20,549.38. The monthly dues paid in amount to $31,096, 
and the association has bonds and mortgages amounting to 
$190,000. The following are officers of the society: Presi- 
dent, Benjamin Hancock ; Secretary, T. U. Harris ; Treasurer, 
R. M. Seeley ; Board of Directors, Albert F. Randolph, 
Benjamin Hancock, Constant Albertson, David P. Elmer. 

The Merchants' and Mechanics' Savdng Fund and Building 
Association was organized in April, 1870. It has done a big 
work, and is the model building association of the State. A 
new series has been successfully issued each year since the 
date of its organization, makiag nineteen series in all. The 
first eight of these have matured, been paid off and cancelled. 
The whole number of shares issued since April, 1870, is 
6,830. The amount of money received and disbursed exceeds 
$1,000,000, as follows: Received from monthly instalments, 
$446,895; premiums, $50,778; interest on loans, $119,833; 
fines, $7,546; repayment of loans, $340,600; sale and rents — 
real estate, $37,079.49. Disbursements — Loaned on bond and 
mortgage, $551,000; purchased real estate, $41,372.28 ; with- 
drawing amounts and matured stock, $368,420 ; taxes from 
1870 to 1888, $24,035 ; legal expenses, salaries, losses, etc., 
$14,419.27; amount now in treasury, $3,484.94. The amount 
now loaned on bond and mortgage is $210,400; amount 
invested in real estate, $4,292.79. Number of series now 
running in Association, 1 1. Present number of shares of stock, 
3,299. Value of stock — 9th series, 79 shares, $186.61 per 
share; loth series, 145 shares, $162.43 pci' share; nth series, 



45 



204 shares, $140.92 per share ; 12th series, 199 shares, $124.39 
per share; 13th series, 169 shares, $105.22 per share; 14th 
series, 227 shares, $87.65 per share; 15th series, 431 shares, 
$71.02 per share; i6th series, 410 shares, $56.05 per share; 
17th series, 330 shares, $40.69 per share; i8th series, 569 
shares, $26.72 per share; 19th scries, 536 shares, $13.49 per 
share. Dayton B. Whitaker was elected President of the 
Board of Directors at the organization, in 1870, and remained 
in that capacity until April, 1881, when sickness incapacitated 
him from further service. Since then George Donaghay has 
been the faithful and efficient head of the Board, Charles F. 
Dare, the popular druggist. No. 94 Commerce street, was 
elected Secretary in June, 1870, and still serves in that capacity. 
He has proved a most accomplished officer, and to his efforts 
and business ability much of the success of the Merchants' and 
Mechanics' Association is due. Samuel Applegit was the first 
Treasurer, followed by W, H. Woodruff. Wilson L. Silvers is 
the present efficient Treasurer. The Association is officered 
as follows : President, George Donaghay ; Secretary, Charles 
F. Dare ; Treasurer, Wilson L. Silvers ; Directors, George 
Donaghay, Oscar E, Peck, Ji. D. C. Evans, E. C. Lambert, 
Tnscnh .\. W^oodnifr 

The West Jersey Nursery 
Company is located on Irving 
avenue, on the Charles S. 
Fithian farm, a handsome 
and fertile tract of country. 
The depots of the W^est 
Jersey Railroad and New 
Jersey Central Railroad are 
within easy distance. The 
company is regularly organ- 
ized, with R. D. Cole, Presi- 
dent; S.B.Cole, Secretary and 
ui..M JERSEY NURSERY. Trcasurcr. Both R. D. Cole 

and sons have been engaged in the nursery business many 
years, and are practical tree growers. Their nursery was 




46 

established in 1876. Since that date they have transacted a 
large and increasing business yearly. So extensive has their 
trade become that they now ship trees and plants as far north 
as Canada, and as far south as Texas. The Messrs. Cole grow 
every variety of nursery stock, trees, plants, vines, but make 
a specialty of the peach tree, called Meech's Prolific Quince. 
They have grafted as high as 80,000 in one year. This year 
they will grow about 250,000 peach trees. The Pearl Straw- 
berry is another specialty of this firm, of which they grow 
and ship 250,000 plants annually. Capital invested in the 
business, ;^ 18,000, ^10,000 of which is, this Spring, placed in 
peach trees. The firm employs twenty-five men, and are busy 
the year 'round. 



C. E. LANING'S FOUNDRY. 

The Iron Foundry on Railroad avenue, near West Jersey 
R. R. Depot, was established by David W. Laning, in 1869. 
It is now owned and managed by Charles E. Laning. The 
building is of brick, two stories high, and well equipped for 
the business. Mr. Laning does general jobbing, and manu- 
factures wrought-iron fencing, vessel and other castings. 
Castings of large dimensions are made for the Ferracute 
Machine Works. Large quantities of pig iron are used in the 
foundry for castings, and much bar iron in railing work. Ten 
skilled workmen are constantly employed, and ^450.00 wages 
paid monthly. Capital invested, $8,000. 



THE CUMBERLAND NATIONAL BANK. 

One of the oldest banking institutions in the State of New 
Jersey is that which bears the above title. It was organized in 
18 16 by virtue of a charter granted by the Legislature, and 
began business September 26th of that year. The capital stock 



47 

was 552,000. General James Giles was elected President and 
Charles Reed, Cashier. Gen. Giles deceased in 1825, and was 
succeeded, as President, by Judge Daniel Elmer. The judge 
resigned in 1S41, when James B. Potter was chosen. He 
occupied the position until 1865. Charles E. Elmer was elected 
Mr. Potter's successor, and held that place until 1886, when 
he retired, and William G. Nixon was chosen. Charles Reed 
was succeeded as Cashier by William G. Nixon, who held the 
office until 1S86, serving from 1844, the long period of forty- 
two years. Mr. Nixon was succeeded as Cashier, by I'rank 
M. Riley in 1886, who had been identified with the bank 
since 1865. 

In 1857 the capital stock was increased to $102,000, by the 
accumulation of the surplus earnings, without any additional 
payments by the stockholders. This was a remarkable feat, 
but the great financial success of the bank was amply sufficient 
to warrant it. In 1865 the title of the bank was changed from 
" Cumberland Bank " by which name it had been known under 
its State Charter, and it was authorized to do business as " The 
Cumberland National Bank," under the then new National 
Banking Act. The capital was increased to $150,000. 

During the first fifteen years of its history, the bank's 
deposits averaged $20,000 ; for the next fifteen, $30,000 ; the 
next fifteen, $50,000; later on they reached $100,000, and then 
$150,000 annually. At the last report, January i, 1889, the 
individual deposits amounted to $615,296.34. For the first 
thirty years there was a regular dividend of three per cent, 
every six months, beside an extra dividend in 1844 of twenty- 
four per cent. Since that year the dividends have reached 
four, five, six, seven and eight per cent, semi-annually, the 
dividend for the past year reaching fifteen per cent. 

The bank owns real estate valued at $25,000, and has a sur- 
plus fund of $150,000, an amount equal to its capital stock. Its 
undivided profits amount to $32,181.15. This is a remarkable 
showing, and when it is remembered that during its entire history 
Cumberland Bank has never failed to keep its notes at par, and 



4S 

often continued to pay specie when other banks did not, it may 
be truly said, that as a banking institution, it has few equals 
and no superiors anywhere in the country. 

In the summer of 1886 the corporation began the erection 
of a new bank building, which was finished in May, 1887. 
It is located on the northwestern corner of Commerce and 
Laurel streets, the most prominent business corner in the city 
of Bridgeton. The structure is from plans drawn by Messrs. 
Hazelhurst & Huckel, the Philadelphia architects. It is built 
of handsome pressed brick, two and a half stories high, with 
Connecticut sandstone trimmings. The design is very fine ; 
and the appearance imposing. The principal entrance 
between two massive sandstone pillars, with highly orna- 
mented pediment, faces both Commerce and Laurel streets. 
The interior is divided into counting-rooms, offices, and other 
business apartments. The vault was manufactured and put up 
by the Hall Safe and Lock Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and 
is one of the most complete and perfect in the world. Every 
appointment of the building is first class, and like the corpora- 
tion itself, is sound, solid, rounded and finished. Every 
Bridgetonian has a pride in the veteran institution, and it is a 
saying among the people of the county, when reference is 
made to a good or substantial thing that it is as " sound as 
old Cumberland." This is high praise, but it is deserved. 
No bank in the country has a better record. Its business life 
covers a period of nearly three-quarters of a century, part of 
that time the most critical in the nation's history, yet come 
financial panic, or storm, or civil war, the bank went on with 
success, each succeeding year bringing it additional laurels. 

Appended is a list of the officers and members of the Board 
of Directors : President, William G. Nixon; Vice-President, 
J. Boyd Nixon ; Cashier, Frank M. Riley ; Directors, Jonathan 
Elmer, Theophilus Trenchard, Richard Lott, William G. Nixon^ 
Charles S. Fithian, Ephraim Bateman, Chester J. Buck, Daniel 
Bacon, J. Boyd Nixon, Daniel Elmer, Timothy Campbell. 




- o 

— 23 









O 



■w- 'vj 



K n 




49 



THE BRIDGETON NATIONAL BANK. 

In the spring of 1883, a number of citizens of Bridgeton, 
believing that the business interests of the city demanded 
additional banking facilities, met at the law office of John S. 
Mitchell, Esq., where initiatory steps were taken toward the 
organization of a new bank. A charter from the Government 
was soon obtained, and it was largely due to Mr. Mitchell's 
efforts that the new bank w^as so promptly and successfully 
organized. At the first meeting of the Board of Directors, 
Thomas U. Harris was chosen President, and James W. 
Trenchard, Cashier. Both gentlemen still remain in those 
positions. The bank began business July 12, 1883, with a 
capital of $100,000, and by October ist had secured a line of 
deposits amounting to ^^73, 243. 1 1, with loans and discounts 
of $103,009.45. 

Within a few months after its organization, the Board of 
Directors purchased a lot on South Laurel street, in the busi- 
ness heart of the city. A handsome banking house, of Gothic 
design, w^th pressed-brick front and brownstone ornaments, 
was soon erected. Business grew with the better accommoda- 
tions ; and, by a recent statement, the loans and discounts arc 
shown to have reached $323,727.63, with individual deposits 
of $268,256.83 ; surplus, $50,000; undivided profits, $5,188.74; 
real estate, $ 1 5 ,ooo. 

The following compose the Board of Directors : Gen.Wm. 
J. Sewell, Benjamin Hancock, Jas. R. Hoagland, Joseph H. 
Elmer, Martin Anderson, Charles F. Dare, Wilson L. Silvers, 
Francis B. Minch, Thomas U. Harris, Jacob Dailey, Jacob 
Kienzle, Isaac M. Smalley, Jeremiah N. Ogden, Jos. A.Wood- 
ruff, Ner Allen, Robert M. Hitchner. 

SOUTH JERSEY INSTITUTE. 

In the South Jersey Institute, the citizens of Bridgeton claim 
to have one of the best educational institutions in this or any 



50 

other State. Established in 1868, it has constantly grown in 
favor and efficiency until the present time. 

With its large and commodious brick building, furnished 
with modern conveniences, situated upon high and extensive 
grounds, with plenty of pure air and pure water and perfect 
drainage, it has been found to be unsurpassed for healthful- 
ness. Not a case of serious illness has occurred in the build- 
ing since the school was opened, nineteen years ago. 

The school is well supplied with chemical and philosophi- 
cal apparatus, maps and charts, and extensive cabinets of 
minerals and geological specimens. It has also a large and very 
valuable museum of specimens in natural history. Few schools 
are so well supplied with the means for illustration in the 
various branches taught. Principal H. K. Trask has been at 
the head of the school from the start. Under his management, 
the Institute has attained an enviable reputation for thorough 
instruction, kind and paternal, and yet successful discipline. 
He has always been aided by an able and experienced faculty 
of teachers, and supported by a generous Board of Trustees, 
who have looked to the financial interests of the Institute. 

The courses of study are : College, Preparatory — Institute, 
Business and Music. Students who complete the first of these 
courses are admitted into many of our colleges without exami- 
nation. The Institute course requires three years for comple- 
tion, and is designed to give a practical preparation for life. 
It includes the languages, ancient and modern, mental and 
moral philosophy, natural science, mathematics, history and 
higher English. The business department is in charge of a 
practical book-keeper, and the course compares favorably 
with that afforded by the best business colleges. Pupils are 
graduated in the music department after four years of study, 
beginning with the rudiments. A high standard of instruc- 
tion is maintained, and no pains has been spared to make this 
department all that can be desired by those who wish to 
obtain a thorough musical education. In the drawing and 
painting department, also, excellent instruction is furnished. 



51 

Thus, while the Institute does not claim to rank as a 
college, in many respects it furnishes equal opportunities and 
advantages. 



IVY HALL SEMINARY. 

Ivy Hall, on the northwest corner of Commerce and 
Atlantic streets, has been a flourishing young ladies' school 
almost from the date of its establishment, in 1861, by Mrs. 
Margaretta C. Sheppard. Some of the principals succeeding 
Mrs. Sheppard have been eminent in their profession, and one 
of them, Miss Ada L. Howard, was called from this post to 
the Presidency of Wellesley College. A large number of 
graduates and others have gone out from this school to the 
neighboring States and to other portions of our own State to 
become, with their educational endowments, useful members 
of society. The commencement exercises, in June, held in 
one of the largest churches, furnish annually an event of con- 
siderable interest in the annals of education in our city. For 
college preparation, the certificate of this institution will admit 
to Wellesley College without further examination. 

In two respects the situation is favorable ; the institution 
is as nearly central as a school of the kind can well be, and it is 
protected on the north and west from the winds of winter, by 
the high bluff or river terrace. The school is for boarding 
and day pupils. In both the main and intermediate depart- 
ments the English branches are made prominent, while French, 
German and the ancient languages, the piano, pipe organ, 
violin, guitar, vocal music, and all the branches of art are taught 
to those who desire them. Of late years among the regular 
teachers are three college graduates, while seven other instruc- 
tors teach daily or at stated times. The present Principal, 
Rev. Henry Reeves, Ph. D., entered upon the work here in 
1 88 1, and under his management the school has been highly 
prosperous. 



52 



WEST JERSEY ACADEMY. 

The West Jersey Academy, situated on the west side of the 
town, was substantially built of native stone, by the Presbytery 
of West Jersey, in the year 1852, and fitted as a first-class 
modern school. Not long ago, in order to give additional 
school accommodation, a two-story wing was erected of the 
same stone as the main structure. 

The buildings are thoroughly warmed, drained and venti- 
lated, and, standing on rising ground, command a fine view of 
Bridgeton and the surrounding country. Fourteen acres of 
partially-wooded grounds surround the institution. 

The school is divided, upon the Rugby plan, into six forms. 
The course of each form occupies one year. A complete 
course prepares a student for any college he may select, 
whilst an extra year will fit him for advanced standing. A 
commercial department gives thorough training in business 
matters. Prof Caleb Allen, is the able Principal. 



SEVEN GABLES. 

This school, founded in 1874, now ofiers to young ladies a 
full course of instruction, and, if desirable, prepares the 
student for any woman's college. 

The school comprises three departments : primary, inter- 
mediate and academic. All departments under the care of 
college graduates. Native French and German teachers. 
Music, drawing, painting, and other branches of art, are in 
charge of good masters. 

The residence, which is one of the finest in South Jersey, 
is built on high ground, surrounded by large forest trees and 
belted by pines. The interior is handsomely furnished in 
hard woods throughout, with open fires on first floor. All the 
rooms, including large bath-rooms, well warmed, well lighted 



53 

and ventilated. Every attention has been paid to sanitary- 
requirements. Wire springs and hair mattresses in each bed- 
room. Extensive shaded lawns add greatly to the charm and 
beauty of the place, and afford opportunity for all out-door 
amusements, including tennis; while connected with the 
grounds is an exquisite sheet of water, covering a row of 
several miles, which is greatly enjoyed by the students, who, 
accompanied by a teacher, have free access to the boats 
belonging to the school. 

The Principal, Mrs. Sarah S. Westcott, is a lady of ability 
and culture, and it is her endeavor to make the education of 
the young ladies committed to her care so distinctively com- 
prehensive, that the body, in every respect, shall be equally 
improved with the mind at the end of their educational career. 
An experienced teacher has charge of the gymnasium, which 
is well supplied with the best apparatus adapted to Dr. 
Sargent's method of physical training. 



S. E. McGEAR & BRO'S DRY GOODS HOUSE. 

Tho most extensive dry goods establishment in Bridge- 
ton is that of S. E. McGear & Bro., founded in 1855. The 
location — southwest corner of Commerce and Laurel streets 
— is the best in the city. During their thirty-three years of 
business life, the Messrs. McGear have made but one change 
of situation. They began in a small way in Grosscup's build- 
ing, where they rapidly built up a business. Nineteen years 
ago they erected the fine three-story block (a picture of which 
is given) which they now occupy. It is the finest business 
block in Bridgeton, and cost $50,000. The McGear Bros, 
do a splendid trade, which has increased each and every year. 
Their sales reach $150,000 per annum, and they carry a stock 
of $50,000, employing twenty salesmen. They deal only in the 
best of dry goods, and have thereby secured a great reputa- 
tion. Their line of silks, dress goods, coats and cloaks, is 



54 

immense in variety and value. Both proprietors are trained 
drygoods men from their youth up, and thoroughly familiar 
with every department of the business. This is the chief 
reason why they have stood the test of time, and become 
leaders in trade, while so many others who have flourished 
for a season were swept away by financial storm and disaster. 
It is a solid house, built upon the solid rock of financial honor. 



RIVERSIDE. 

Walter H. Bacon, Esq., whose office is No. 14 South 
Laurel street, is a young man who has done much for Bridge- 
ton. Having purchased a tract of land at Riverside, South 
Bridgeton, he has offered special inducements to manufac- 
turers, and has succeeded in getting several establishments 
to locate there. Riverside is situate on a high bluff over- 
looking the Cohansey. It is level land ; and, as it will soon 
be connected by rail with the West Jersey Railroad extension, 
it will have the advantage of both rail and water communica- 
tion. The tract covers a territory of one hundred and fifty 
acres, directly along the river, unusually well situate for 
manufacturing sites. On the river front there will be fine 
wharfage, and every facility for the transportation of goods 
by water. Manufacturers who desire to locate in Bridgeton, 
will do well to write Mr. Bacon for particulars. 



INDUSTRIAL ITEMS. 

The firm of Garrison & Minch, No. 70 South Laurel street, 
began business in December, 1884. (A fine view of their new 
building appears on another page.) They manufacture a 
brand of fertilizer known as " Pride of Cumberland." In 
1885 they sold fifteen tons, but last year the demand had 
reached one thousand tons. The firm mixes and erinds this 



55 

fertilizer in its own mill, and this guarantees its purity. It is 
sold principally to farmers in Cumberland, Salem and neigh- 
boring counties. This year over a carload a day is being 
shipped. Garrison & Minch also deal in agricultural imple- 
ments, coal, terra-cotta pipe, garden seeds, paints, etc., in which 
they do a large business. 

David O. Frazeur and J. Lenhart Rice do a business as 
Frazeur & Rice on the wharf property at the foot of Broad 
street, near the bridge. They started in 1877. The firm 
deals in lime, hair, cement, plaster, and masons' supplies. In 
two kilns they burn about 120,000 bushels of oyster shells, 
and manufacture shell and stone lime for glass factories, 
farmers, and builders. They employ several men, and have 
about $8,000 invested in the business. 

The Atlantic Refining Company, Bridgeton Branch, 
founded in 1888, is located at the foot of Grove street. South 
Bridgeton. Its plant consists of two large tanks, of 90,000 
gallons capacity, with workshop and office. 100,000 gallons 
of oil are refined in the busy season, and two wagons are con- 
stantly traveling distributing the oil to dealers in the country. 
The quality is 150° test headlight. Manager of works, F. 
Vanderbucken, Philadelphia. 

The Bridgeton Beef Company, L. T. Gaskill, Superin- 
tendent and Manager, commenced business May 7, 1888. It 
has a fine building on Cohansey avenue, near the New Jersey 
Central R. R. Depot. The company is a branch of the well- 
known Swift Meat Co., of Chicago. The Superintendent 
furnishes the Bridgeton public with dressed beef and mutton, 
also Swift's sugar-cured hams, bologna sausage and breakfast 
bacon. 28,000 pounds of Chicago beef are sold by the com- 
pany in Bridgeton and vicinity every week, an amount equal 
to forty cattle. This business in meat is in addition to that of 
the local dealers, who are numerous. 

Rice Brothers & Co. do an extensive business as ship 
builders, on South Water street. West Bridgeton. They 
began in 1865. In the summer months the firm employ 



56 

twenty men, and pay ,$200 wages per week. Seventy-five 
vessels are drawn on the marine railway, and repaired every 
year, and fi'om one to five new vessels built. Messrs. Rice 
work up $25,000 worth of iron, lumber, and other shipbuilding 
materials annually. Their plant is worth $10,000. 

G. W. Rush, trunk manufacturer, No. 3 Commerce street, 
near the bridge, turns out 1,000 trunks and 1,700 valises 
every year. The materials used are basswood and fine russet 
leather and alligator. Mr. Rush employs several men. He 
has recently invented and patented a self-locking metalic trunk 
brace, which is proving a great success. 

At the West Jersey Steam Soap Works, Broad street, 
corner of Water, Henry C. Kienzle, Proprietor, an extensive 
business is carried on. Mr. Kienzle employs five skilled 
workmen, who manufacture 15,000 pounds of soap per week. 
The chief brands produced are " Oleine," " White Float- 
ing," "Satin Gloss," " Borax," " Blue Soap," and all grades of 
toilet soaps. He also deals in starch and washing soda 
extensively. • 

The segar trade is carried on by several Bridgeton firms, 
nine in all. The heaviest manufacturer is Jacob Mengel, 
corner of Commerce and Laurel streets, next to Post-office, 
who employs a large number of segarmakers, and manu- 
factures about 300,000 segars per annum. Newton Elmer, 
No. 89 South Laurel street, comes next, with a manufactured 
product of about 200,000 segars. 

The J. L. Rice Shoe Company was founded in January, 
1888, and is one of the flourishing industries of Bridgeton. 
The company has an extensive factory on Cohansey avenue, 
near the Central R. R. Depot, where the latest improvements 
in shoemaking machinery are found. Fifty men and 
women are constantly employed, who manufacture two hun- 
dred pairs of shoes per day. $300 a week, and sometimes 
;^400, is paid for labor alone. The product consists of ladies', 
misses', and children's fine shoes, in Kangaroo, French Kid, 
Dongola, Patent Leather, Ooz Calf, Oil Goat. The company 



57 

is incorporated, and has a capital stock of $25,000. Officers: 
President, J. Lenhart Rice ; Secretary, Wallace C. Rice ; 
Treasurer, David O. Frazeur; Superintendent, Charles H. 
Maurer. 

The Parker Brothers' Glass Factory is located in West 
Bridgeton, at the foot of West Commerce street. The com- 
pany is composed of five brothers, all practical glassworkers, 
with Clayton Parker, President; Benj. Parker, Secretary and 
Treasurer. They began business in September, 1885, and 
were incorporated in 1888. They have a well-fitted establish- 
ment, with three-pot furnace, and manufacture pressed ware of 
various designs, but make a specialty of the " Ointment Jar," 
with nickel-plated screw top, from one-quarter of an ounce to 
sixteen ounces in weight. They also make jar lids, and are 
now filling an order for 50,000 gross for the Mason Improved 
Jar. Many private orders are also filled, aggregating forty in 
number. Fifteen persons are employed, and $150.00 per week 
paid as wages. Capital invested, 320,000. The furnace is run 
b)' natural draught. Forty tons of coal are used per month. 
Eight tons of soda and thirty tons of sand are also used each 
month. The business is growing, and promises to be one of 
the most successful in Bridgeton. 

The manufacture of shirts is a thriving industry. The 
chief factory is located on Broad street, near Atlantic. It is 
the Burgess & Montelius Shirt Company, and occupies nearly 
the entire brick building known as Riley's block. This com- 
pany has transacted a large business since 1885. It now 
employs one hundred and twenty-five persons, principally 
women and girls. As an incorporation it has a capital of 
;^25,ooo, with the privilege of increasing to $40,000. Two 
hundred dozen shirts are manufactured every week. The 
material used amounts to 6,000 yards of flannel, cheviot, and 
muslin. The " Capitol" Shirtisthecompany'sfavorite, and it has 
a wide popularity. Mr. F. H. Burgess, the Superintendent and 
Manager of the factory, is a practical shirt cutter and designer, 
and designs all of the patterns used in the business. Se\-enty-fiv'e 



58 

sewing machines are kept constantly at work. Attached to 
the factory is a laundry — one of the most complete in the 
world — where all the goods of the company are beautifully 
laundered. They are then packed in pasteboard boxes and 
made ready for market. $20,000 per year are paid to their 
help by Burgess, Montelius & Co. Office and salesroom, No. 
837 Market street, Philadelphia, A. B. Hoar, Manager. Both 
factory and laundry are run by steam power. 

In the Garrison & Minch building, South Laurel street, 
there is another shirt factory. It was established in the Spring 
of 1888, and is the property of Sol. Miller Company, of Phila- 
delphia. At this factory flannel shirt manufacture is a 
specialty. Fifty sewing machines, run by fifty women and 
girls, turn out three hundred and fifty dozen shirts per week. 
Fifty thousand yards of material are used, and $1,200 wages 
paid each month. The factory is run by steam. Super- 
intendent, Robert Neill. 

Elmer's Mill, near East Lake, was built in 1808. It is 
run by water power exclusively. The present proprietor is 
Jonathan Elmer, Jr. It has the full roller process, and manu- 
factures a first-class brand of flour, known as " East Lake." 
Three grades are made, and packed in barrels and bags. The 
capacity is twenty-five barrels per day. Fifty thousand 
bushels of grain are ground yearly. Capital invested, $25,000. 

Two extensive carriage factories are located in Bridgeton. 
Robert M. Rocap, No. })J and 39 Franklin street, has a fine 
brick building, with elevator and all the modern appliances. 
He manufactures light carriages, buggies, phaetons, jump-seats, 
market, and business wagons. Output, thirty carriages and 
wagons annually. He employs eight men — skilled mechanics 
— and has the best carriage trimmer in the State, a workman 
of marvelous skill in trimming and block-stitching of carriage 
backs and seats. 

Loudenslager & Harker, North Laurel street, also have 
a large carriage factory, where twenty-five carriages and 
wagons are manufactured in a year. They employ seven 



59 

men, and do both carriage niaking and trimming, also general 
jobbing and blacksmithing. 

J. Howard Ferguson, No. 44 Jefferson street, does general 
machinist work, and manufactures a capping machine of his 
own invention. He has in hand a contract for five thousand 
brass ferrules for the Rumrille Umbrella Tent Company, of 
Camden. 

Bridgeton has two potteries. One on Cohansey avenue, 
Wm. J. Smith, Proprietor, and one on East avenue, Geo. F. 
Hamlyn, Proprietor. At both establishments large quantities 
of earthenware, stone and Rockingham ware are manufactured. 
Mr. Hamlyn, at the East avenue pottery, is an expert potter, 
and makes a specialty of fine ware of the latest designs. 

The Cohansey Tannery, located on Fayette street. West 
Bridgeton, Jacob Kienzle, Proprietor, was established by that 
gentleman in 1858. It has an extensive plant, and employs 
a number of workmen who tan hides into leather. The 
products are calf-skin, upper, butt and harness leather. Mr. 
Kienzle has, in some years, tanned as many as 2,500 hides 
and 1,500 calf-skins, most of which are finished and sold in 
Bridgeton and vicinity. 

Alfred H. Lupton has extensive brick yards on South 
Water street, where he manufactures 1,300,000 red brick 
annually; 100,000 of which are extra quality pressed brick. 
Clay in abundance, and of fine quality, is found on the premises, 
Mr. Lupton has thirty brick makers, whom he pays ^800 per 
month wages. He has ^12,000 capital in the business. An- 
other brick yard is located on Water street, near the Moorhouse 
Paper Mill, Isaac W. Mulford, Proprietor. Mr. Mulford has 
fine clay on his property, and manufactures about 500,000 
good red brick per year. 

J. Lewden Robeson, Nos. 18 and 20 Water street, has an 
extensive machine shop. He manufactures presses, dies, can- 
house machinery, and does general repairing. Began business 
in September, 1885. Runs shop by steam power, and employs 
five men. 



City Notes. 



The City of Bridgeton is growing rapidly. Two hundred 
and two building permits were granted by the mayor during 
the past year. 

Lemuel Johnson, West Bridgeton, contractor for stone 
and brick work, also plastering, does a large business. He 
does the stone work for at least forty houses a year. 

A million boxes of strawberries are shipped from the 
region near Bridgeton,by way of the Cumberland and Maurice 
River Railroad, every year during the berry season. 

Mayor Jeremiah Du Bois has served the city four years, 
and served it well. He is a progressive official, honored by 
men of all parties. Under his administration the city has 
grown and prospered. 

The fire department of Bridgeton has twenty-eight mem- 
bers. There are two hose carriages, a hook-and-ladder com- 
pany and a Silsby engine, with a forcing capacity of ninety 
feet in the perpendicular. 

The Bridgeton Post-office has a free delivery department, 
with six letter carriers. It ranks as second-class, and is a 
Presidential appointment. Receipts of office, ;$ 12,000 per 
year. Postmaster's salary, ^2,300. 

The police department consists of six officers, with the 
mayor as chief This is a small force, but it does its work 
well. No city of the size in the country is more free from 
lawlessness, mob rule, drunkenness, or disorderly conduct. 



6i 

Every branch of mercantile business is carried on in 
Bridgeton, and many enterprising men are engaged therein, 
but there is room for others, and the outside world is invited 
to come and settle in a goodly town among a goodly people. 

The farmers of the county raise 2,330 tons of dressed 
poultry annually, which they ship to city markets, and 
receive in return about ;$65 0,000. The entire poultry interest 
in county, eggs included, is said to exceed ^750,000 per year. 

John R. Graham, dealer in carpets, No. 40 Commerce 
street, is one of Bridgeton's most successful merchants. He 
has transacted business at the store which he now occupies, 
for thirty-five successive years. A longer period than any 
other person doing business in Bridgeton. 

The city markets are always filled to repletion with the 
finest and best products of the sea as well as the soil. In the 
spring the Delaware shad, the best in the world, is found as 
early as the last week in February. In March, April and May, 
the toothsome fish appears in abundance, at very low rates. 

Ayars & Mulford, merchant tailors and clothiers, occupy 
the large three-story brick building 59 and 61 Commerce 
street, next to the Cumberland National Bank. They employ 
eighteen cutters, tailors and clerks, doing the heaviest clothing 
trade in Bridgeton. Their building was recently erected at a 
cost of ^20,000. 

In the month of June a large crop of small fruits and 
berries is gathered from the farms near Bridgeton. Last year 
140,000 boxes were shipped from the New Jersey Central 
Railroad depot, and 70,000 boxes from the West Jersey Rail- 
road station. Over 100,000 baskets of peaches were also 
shipped from the Bridgeton stations. 

The heaviest dealer in groceries and provisions in 
Bridgeton is Ed. M. Fithian, No. 50 Commerce street, who 
docs a retail trade amounting to $50,000 a year. Wilson L. 
Silvers, No. 1 13 East Commerce street, dealer in groceries and 
provisions, also docs a large business. He has been engaged 
in that line of trade for thirty-three years. 



62 

At Edwards & Sons' Park, " Cedarbrooks," Irving avenue, 
beautiful views of the head of East Lake are found. The 
scenery is grand, especially at one point in the dense wood, 
where the stream winds gracefully among the trees. A view 
of this delightful spot is published on another page under the 
title of " The Cedars at Edwards and Sons' Park." 

Under a beneficent law, of the State of New Jersey, the 
schools of the city of Bridgeton receive about $iO,ooo, annu- 
ally, from the surplus in the State School Fund. This large 
sum added to that raised by local taxes, gives the city ample 
financial means to run the schools on the best methods. 
With this help and the energetic management of the Board 
of Education the Bridgeton schools have attained the front 
rank. 

One of the finest churches in Bridgeton is the West Pres- 
byterian, on West Commerce street, corner of Giles. It is of 
grey stone, well built. The interior is beautiful. The Second 
Presbyterian church. North Pearl street, has a picturesque 
exterior, the walls being covered with ivy, thus giving the 
edifice the appearance of an old-time English abbey. St. 
Andrew's Episcopal church has a striking interior, a view of 
which is given. 

The leading physicians are Dr. T. G. Davis, No. 122 
Commerce street; Dr. J. G. Streets, No. 133 Commerce 
street ; Dr. Thos. J. Smith, S. W. cor. Commerce and Atlantic 
streets ; Dr. Henry W. Elmer, No. 64 Commerce street ; Dr. 
M. K. Elmer, S. E. cor. Commerce and Franklin streets ; Dr. 
John H. Moore, No. 135 Commerce street; Dr. J. R. C. 
Thompson, No. 236 Commerce street; Dr. David Streets, No. 
133 Commerce street. 

There are many beautiful private residences in Bridgeton. 
Among the number are the following, views of which are 
given: Mrs. R. C. Nichols, East avenue; Dr. J. G. Street, 
East Commerce street ; Mrs. C. E. Elmer, Broad street ; Capt. 
F. M. Riley, West Commerce street; A. F. Randolph, Broad 
street ; B. H. Minch, West Commerce street ; Miss Sarah 



63 

Buck, Giles street ; B. T. Bright, East Commerce street ; Mrs. 
Kate Knight, Atlantic street. 

The shipments of poultry and eggs from Bridgeton to 
the New York, Philadelphia and Boston markets are very- 
heavy. J. Dailey & Son estimate that they purchase and sell 
one hundred thousand pounds of poultry annually; Timothy 
Campbell, one hundred thousand pounds ; C. G. Davis, from ten 
to twenty thousand pounds, and other smaller dealers in pro- 
portion. The value of the poultry and egg product shipped 
annually will exceed ^250,000. 

Bridgeton has very efficient telegraph and telephone ser- 
vice. The Delaware and Atlantic Telephone Company has 
fifty miles of Avire covering the entire city, and seventy-five 
subscribers ; Samuel H. Meyers, Superintendent. The Western 
Union Telegraph Company, Miss M. E. Schofield, operator, 
does an average business of one hundred messages per day. 
Both offices are centrally located, in the basement of the 
Hotel Cumberland, North L.aurel street. 

Bridgeton contains three thousand dwellings, more than 
one-half of which are owned by the occupants. It also has 
four large dry-goods houses ; sixty grocery and provision 
stores ; two flour mills ; sixty manufacturing establishments 
of various character; two banks; fifteen churches; three 
hotels ; eight drug stores ; six newspapers ; four lumber yards, 
with saw-mills ; four academic schools ; five public schools ; 
six canning establishments ; a tanyard, soap factory and 
shipyard. 

The old Presbyterian Church, on Broad street, with its 
moss-grown roof and ivy-covered walls, grey with age, and 
the cemetery beside it, rich with memories of the honored 
dead sleeping within its precincts, are points of interest to 
citizen and stranger. In this cemetery are buried several 
officers of the Revolution, many soldiers of the late war, and 
a numerous company of men and women, many of them dis- 
tinguished in life as lawyers, physicians, theologians, philan- 
thropists and statesmen. 



64 

Not quite a score of miles below Bridgeton is the famous 
Maurice River Cove, where oysters are grown in never-ending 
abundance. Three hundred vessels and fifteen hundred men 
are employed in the business of planting and catching oysters 
in Maurice River Cove and Delaware Bay. During the 
oyster season, the oyster captains and leading business men of 
the industry have on deposit in the National Banks of the city 
nearly ;$ 1,000,000. The oyster crop brings a vast sum of 
money into the city and county. 

Among late improvements on our business streets, the 
new Pioneer building is considered one of the finest blocks 
ever built in Bridgeton. It is a fine three-story pressed-brick 
building, with brown-stone trimmings. It contains the office 
of the Daily Pioneer, the Arnold clothing establishment, law 
office of Walter H. Bacon, and the hall of Bridgeton Castle, 
No. 13, Knights of the Golden Eagle, the handsomest lodge- 
room in the State. The Pioneer building was erected by' 
Messrs. McCowan & Nichols, at a cost of ^20,000. 

The leading lawyers of Bridgeton are John S. Mitchell, 
No. 83 Commerce street; James R. Hoagland, No. 80 Com- 
merce street ; Potter & Nixon, No. 60 Commerce street ; 
Walter H. Bacon, 13 North Laurel street; Jas. J. Reeves, 
No. 95 Commerce street ; Wm. A. Logue, over County Clerk's 
Office, Commerce street ; Charles E. Sheppard, No. 29 Com- 
merce street; Thomas W. Trenchard, No. 107 Commerce 
street ; Orestes Cook, No. 34 Commerce street ; Jas. L. Van 
Syckle, No. 70 Commerce street; Frank M. Porch, No. 103 
Commerce street. 

At a meeting of citizens, held October 11, 1888, H. K. 
Trask, President, it was resolved to organize a stock com- 
pany for the purpose of building a street railway. The system 
suggested by Mr. Oberlin Smith, of the Ferracute Machine 
Works, and the one likely to be adopted, is that known as 
" The Sprague Electric Railway Motor." The engine, dynamo, 
cars, tracks and necessary equipments, will cost about ;^5O,000. 
It is proposed to track Commerce street first, and afterward 



65 

Broad, Laurel, Pearl and other thoroughfares. Work will 
probably be commenced during the summer. 

The gas consumed in the cit\- is furnished by the Bridge- 
ton Gas Light Company. Jona Elmer, President; Wm. C. 
Mulford, Secretary ; Benjamin F. Harding, Superintendent and 
Treasurer. The works are located on Water street, and con- 
sist of a valuable plant, with two tanks of 40,000 feet capacity, 
and several large buildings where the furnaces are situate, 
together with office, etc. The gas is produced from bitumi- 
nous coal, and is a first-class article. Capital stock of the 
company, $31,000. Price of gas, $1.50 per thousand feet to 
general consumers, and as low as $1.20 to manufacturers. 

One of the leading business establishments of Bridgeton 
is that of Wm. W. Robbins, 33 and 34 North Laurel street. 
The building is one of the largest in town, being three stories 
high, with seventy feet front, and a depth of one hundred and 
thirty feet. The edifice is of brick, and is divided into boot 
and shoe and clothing departments. At No. 44 Commerce 
street, Mr. Robbins has a large dry goods store, in which he 
has an extensive stock, and considerable capital invested. His 
stores and contents are valued at $So,ooo. He does a business 
of ;$ 100,000 per annum, and employs eighteen salesmen and 
women. 

Beside the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist ceme- 
teries, a new cemetery has been recently opened. It is called 
" Overlook," and is located on the land lately occupied by 
Chas. S. Hunt as a farm. The site is on the road to Bo wen- 
town. West Bridgeton, and contains eighteen acres, hand- 
somely laid out in squares, with graveled walks, lined with 
Norway maples. The company owning the cemetery is incor- 
porated, and has the following officers : President, Dr. G. W. 
Bailey; Secretary, L. D. H. Gilmour ; Treasurer, George 
Jonas ; Executive Committee, G. W. Bailey, B. F. Shreeve, 
Richard More. 

In no town in America is there a better class of people than 
those to be found in Bridgeton. It is an intelligent community. 

5 



66 

Society is good, the churches are many, and everybody is 
welcome. Opportunities are offered for the cultivation of the 
mind rarely found outside of the great cities. There is a 
course of lectures each winter, under the auspices of the 
Young Men's Christian Association, from whose platform the 
greatest orators and musicians hold forth. There is a local 
singing society which gives public concerts twice a year, with 
lawn concerts in the summer, and an opera house where the 
first companies of the land appear. There is every desirable 
form of platform, musical and operatic entertainment. 

Captain Frank M. Riley, the City Treasurer of Bridgeton, 
is a very popular officer. He has served in that capacity twelve 
years, and is re-elected every three years by a unanimous 
vote of the people. The Captain was an officer in the Twelfth 
Regiment New Jersey Volunteers during the late war, and 
participated in many battles. At the Wilderness he was 
wounded in the face, a Minie ball passing through the flesh 
near the right eye and coming out in the mouth. The wound 
healed, and only a scar shows where the bullet entered. 
Afterward he was taken prisoner and lay for three months 
in a loathsome cell in Libby Prison. Of such a citizen 
and officer Bridgetonians are justly proud. 

Eli Minch, the learned farmer of Hopewell, has a cider mill 
on Water street. West Bridgeton, which turns out, in the apple 
season, 2,000 gallons per day, and 60,000 gallons all told. 
The capacity of the works is 4,000 gallons daily. In addition 
to this business Mr. Minch carries on farming the year 'round. 
One of his specialties is the Minch apple, which he grows very 
extensively. He is also a famous potato grower, having fre- 
quently produced, in a season, over three hundred bushels of 
Silver Lake potatoes to the acre. Such results can only be 
produced in good soil, and that we have in Cumberland 
county at the very gates of the city of Bridgeton. Why go 
West, then, with such land and such results at home? 

Several very handsome improvements are in contempla- 
tion this Spring. A new county building for the Clerk and 



67 

Surrogate's offices will be erected on the site of the present 
structure on Commerce street. It will be built of stone, and is 
to be a fine edifice. It is proposed, also, to erect a large brick 
school-house in the Third Ward at an early date. A new City- 
Hall is also to be built, but the site is not yet selected. By the 
close of the next session of Congress it is believed that a 
sufficient appropriation will be received to erect a Government 
building for the Post-office and Custom-house. Thus it will 
be seen that Bridgeton is to have a boom in the public building 
line, and a class of structures erected that will prove ornaments 
to the city. 

The following newspapers are published : Evening- News, 
daily, J. Ward Richardson and David C. Appclgate, proprietors. 
Founded in 1876, and is the oldest daily in the city. Inde- 
pendent. Circulation (largest in the county), three thousand 
per day. The same firm publish the Weekly News. Circula- 
tion, two thousand. The Pioneer, daily, George W. McCowan, 
proprietor. Established 1887; Republican; circulation, fifteen 
hundred per day. The Bridgeton Pioneer, weekly. Fovmded 
in 1848; Republican; circulation, one thousand. Bridgeton 
Chroinele, weekly, F. R. Fithian, publisher. Founded in 181 5 ; 
Republican; circulation, twelve hundred. New Jersey Patriot, 
weekly, John Cheeseman, editor and proprietor ; Democratic ; 
circulation, one thousand. 

The new Central Methodist Episcopal Church edifice, 
soon to be erected at the corner of Bank and Commerce 
streets, a fine picture of which can be found in one of the 
groups contained in this pamphlet, will be, when completed, 
one of the handsomest churches in the State. The design is 
Gothic, and is the work of Messrs. Hazelhurst and Huckel, 
Philadelphia. The structure will be built of Avondale stone, 
with Indiana stone trimmings. The side-walls of the interior 
are to be frescoed ; the ceilings will be chestnut and the 
rafters cherry. The new church will be cushioned and car- 
peted throughout, and will seat one thousand persons. The 
scats will be circular, arranged in amphitheatre style. Cost of 
building and furniture ^$40,000. 



The Cumberland Mutual Fire Insurance Company is one 
of the substantial business institutions of the town. It is 
located in the handsome two-story brick edifice, on Commerce 
street, near Pearl. It does a large business in fire insurance. 
Since its organization, in 1845, it has issued 30,700 policies, 
and has policies still outstanding amounting to over ^10,500,000. 
The following constitute the Board of Directors : David P. 
Elmer, Jonathan Elmer, James Stiles, Geo. Tomlinson, Joseph 
K. Riley, Edwin Stokes, Charles S. Fithian, Daniel T. Howell, 
James B. Ware, Ephraim Bateman, Albert F. Randolph, Ben- 
jamin F. Harding, Robert M. Hitchner, Francis Reeves, Reuben 
Townsend. President, D. P. Elmer ; Secretary and Treasurer, 
Charles S. Fithian. 

Secret societies flourish. There are two Masonic Lodges ; 
Brearley No. 2, and Evening Star, No. 97 ; with a membership 
of ninety and eighty respectively. There are three lodges 
of Odd Fellows: Cumberland, No. 35; Bridgeton, No. 129; 
Cohansey, No. 205. The three have a joint membership of 
over five hundred. The Knights of Pythias have two lodges : 
Excelsior, No. 4 ; Calanthe, No. 103 ; membership about one 
hundred and fifty each. There is also an Encampment of Odd 
Fellows, a lodge of the Junior Order American Mechanics, 
an Assembly of the Knights of Labor, a lodge of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Mechanics, several Life Insurance societies; 
A. L. Robeson Post, No. 42, G. A. R.; Bridgeton Castle, 
No. 13, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and other benevolent 
and fraternal associations. 

The Bridgeton Electric Light Company, which lights the 
town by electricity, was founded April 12, 1886. It is incor- 
porated under an act of the Legislature, and has the following 
officers : President, Charles O. Baird ; Secretary and Treasurer, 
Samuel T. Given ; Superintendent, William A. Logue. The 
capital stock of the company is $50,000. The plant is located 
on Washington street, near Cohansey avenue. There are two 
engines of sixty and one hundred and twenty horse power, 
and two boilers of one hundred and two hundred horse. 



69 

One dynamo is for arc lighting, and one for incandescent. The 
company covers the entire city with fifteen miles of wire ; 
eighty arc lights, of 1,200 candle power; 1,200 incandescent 
lights, of sixteen candle power. The system is the Thomson- 
Houston. 

Bridgeton has been fortunate in having many men of 
character and ability who have served as members of City 
Council. Among those recently retired from office, after 
having served the city faithfully and well, may be mentioned 
Robt. M. Seeley, of the First Ward; Benjamin Hancock, 
of the Third Ward, and Eli E. Rogers, of the Fourth Ward. 
i\Ir. Rogers gave his time and ability for eight consecutive 
years, serving four years as President of Council. Mr. Hancock 
served six years in Council, the larger portion of the time with 
rare ability as a member of the Finance Committee, a position 
of great responsibility. Mr. Seeley rendered valuable service 
on the same Committee. As a rule, nearly all the members of 
Council have studied the city's interest, and because of that 
fact good government has resulted. 

The religious denominations are represented as follows : — 
Methodist, Episcopal, four churches — Commerce street, Rev. 
Geo. C. Stanger; Trinity, Fayette street, Rev. Geo. H. Neal ; 
Central, corner Commerce and Bank streets. Rev. John Hand- 
ley; Fourth, South avenue. Rev. J. B. Whitten. Presbyterian, 
three churches — First, Laurel street, Rev. S. W. Beech; Second, 
North Pearl street, Rev. H. H. Beadle; West Presbyterian, 
West Commerce street. Rev. W. H. Belden. Baptist — two 
churches — First, Rev. T. G. Cass; Pearl Street, Rev. W. R, 
McNeil. Episcopal — St. Andrew's, East Commerce street. Rev. 
S. C. Cheevers. Lutheran, corner Oak and Giles, Rev. Thos. 
Steck. Catholic— St. Mary's, Rev. C. WYnst. Methodist, 
Protestant, two churches. Laurel street and South avenue. 
Rev. W. D. Stultz. Mt. Zion African M. E., West Bridgeton, 
Rev. L S. Yemmans, Third Baptist, Rev. S. D. Kelly. 

Few towns have finer hotels. The " Hotel Cumberland," 
on North Laurel street, Robert S. Tice, manager, has lately 



70 

been erected, at a cost of $40,000. The building is of brick, 
four stories high, and of fine design. It is the property of a 
stock company, of which F. B. Minch is President ; Walter 
H. Bacon, Secretary. The house has forty-six rooms, ele- 
gantly furnished ; hot and cold water; bath ; elevator; electric 
bells ; heated by steam. The parlors and reception rooms of 
this model hostelry are said to be among the handsomest in 
the country. The " Hotel Hohenstatt," South Laurel street, 
Frederic Hohenstatt, proprietor, a three-story brick building, 
is of modern design and finish. It has thirty-four rooms, with 
every convenience, such as hot and cold water, etc., and cost 
about $20,000. The " City Hotel," corner of Broad and 
Franklin streets, C. G. Cast, proprietor, has twenty rooms, with 
latest improvements. Each of these hotels have stables 
attached. 

The peach crop of Cumberland county is the most profit- 
able of all its farm crops. In the townships of Hopewell, 
Stoe Creek, Greenwich and Fairfield, bordering on Bridgeton, 
immense orchards yield many thousands of baskets of this 
luscious fruit. The orchards on the bay shore, in Greenwich 
township, grow the finest peaches in the United States, supe- 
rior in quality to those of Maryland and Delaware. It is 
estimated that there are 800,000 peach trees in the orchards of 
the county. The returns from freight agents, packing houses, 
and an estimate of the quantity consumed in the home market, 
show the crop to be not less than 750,000 baskets annually, 
netting farmers and growers about $400,000. It is thought 
this year the crop will amount to $500,000. Thomas E. Hunt, 
of Greenwich, is a specimen peach grower. During the sum- 
mer of 1886 Mr. Hunt gathered from his orchard of 1,200 
trees, 4,381 baskets of fruit, for which he received, net, 
$2,080.59. This is peach-growing that cannot be surpassed 
anywhere. 

The Bridgeton Opera House, one of the handsomest in 
the State, was built in 1880, by J. M. Moore & Son. It is a fine 
four-story brick edifice, located on South Laurel street. It 



71 

has a seating capacity of one thousand, and is elegantly fitted 
up with the Demaris Patent Opera Chair. The floor is an 
inclined plane, and the seats are so arranged that a view of the 
entire interior can be had from any part of the house. There 
is a circular gallery, and a fine stage, sixty-five by thirt)', with 
stage opening of thirty feet. The decorations are beautiful, the 
work on walls, ceiling and scenery being by the hand of 
\V. F. Wise, the well-known scenic artist. There are sixteen 
sets of scenery. Dressing rooms with every convenience are 
connected with the stage. The entire building is heated by 
steam, and is lighted by gas. The acoustic properties are first- 
class. The building complete cost the Messrs. Moore about 
;$40,ooo. Under the Opera House Wm. J. Moore, one of the 
proprietors of the building, has one of the largest boot and 
shoe stores in South Jersey, where he carries a heavy stock 
of the best goods. 

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized 
February, 1859, and is the oldest association of the kind in 
the State. In membership it is surpassed only by that of the 
Newark association. It now numbers four hundred and 
thirty. The rooms of the association, in Robbins' block, 
North Laurel street, are large and handsome. They comprise 
a library, reading room, two parlors, class room and gymna- 
sium. The library contains four thousand volumes, and is the 
most extensive Y. M. C. A. library in New Jersey. Educa- 
tional classes are carried on each season, and social receptions 
held from time to time. Medical and practical talks are given 
to young men, during the winter months, by business and 
professional men of the city ;' also, each winter, a Star Course 
of Lectures and Concerts, given in the Opera House. The 
association has a Boys' Branch, with eighty members, and a 
Ladies' Auxiliary, with thirty-eight active members. The 
reading room is supplied with the leading daily and weekly 
newspapers, illustrated and otherwise, also the leading monthly 
magazines. The parlors are neatly furnished, and contain 
piano, organ, and two cabinets filled with various kinds of 



72 

curiosities. Meetings for young men are held every Sunday 
afternoon, when music is furnished by an orchestra of ten 
pieces. The officers of the association are as follows : Presi- 
dent, Dr. Thos. J. Smith ; First Vice-President, C. W. Shoe- 
maker; Second Vice-President, C. R. Corey; Treasurer, H. 
W. Fithian; Recording Secretary, Wm. J. McCowan; General 
Secretary, W. R. Southwell ; Librarian, Mrs. Maria Elmer. 

The common schools of Bridgeton are organized on the 
" graded system," with grammar, secondary, primary depart- 
ments. They are governed by a Board of Education, con- 
sisting of twelve members, chosen for three year terms, four 
going out annually. The schools are all ably managed, and 
among the most successful in the country. There are five 
school buildings. The Pearl Street School, in north Bridge- 
ton, is the most modern. It is built of brick, three stories ; is 
heated with steam. The Second Ward School, on South 
avenue, ranks next, it being same size and style of architecture. 
The Bank Street School is the oldest in the city. It is a large, 
three-story frame building. The Third Ward School, on Giles 
street, and the Vine Street School, are also frame. All the 
schools are thoroughly equipped with educational appliances, 
together with latest and best text-books. At the Bank Street 
School, Prof A. E. Prince, Principal, one hundred and ten 
scholars are enrolled in the grammar department; one hun- 
dred and thirty-four in the secondary; two hundred and two 
in the primary. Second Ward, Prof C. H. Platts, Principal, 
twenty-four in grammar department ; seventy-three in secon- 
dary ; two hundred and eighty-five in primary. Third Ward, 
Prof. E. J. Hitchner, Principal, sixty-five in grammar depart- 
ment ; ninety-three in secondary ; two hundred and forty-eight 
in primary. Pearl Street, Miss M. E. Foster, Principal, in 
secondary, seventy-one ; primary, two hundred and seventy- 
nine. Total number of children enrolled in the schools, one 
thousand five hundred and eighty-four. The teachers in 
charge of the several departments are ladies and gentlemen of 
ability and culture. They are doing splendid work. 




1 



73 

No city in the country has a better water supply, or a 
more perfect system of waterworks. East Lake, from which 
the water supply is chiefly obtained, is fed by a stream which 
rises in a cedar swamp. The stream is five miles long, and 
its waters are as clear as crystal. The lake has a storage 
capacity of 90,000,000 gallons. From the lake the water 
passes into a Retaining Reservoir near the dam, which has 
a storage of 2,000,000 gallons. It is pumped thence to the 
Distributing Reservoir, situate on East Commerce street, at an 
elevation of 103 feet above high-water mark in the Cohansey 
river. It has a capacity of 1,500,000 gallons. The water is 
forced through a sixteen inch main to the Distributing Reser- 
voir by a compound duplex Worthington engine, which has a 
pumping capacity of 1,000,000 gallons per day. This is sup- 
plemented by a Blake pump which adds 500,000 gallons every 
twenty-four hours. Two boilers of thirty and eighty horse- 
power respectively, are required to furnish the necessary steam. 
Recently the water supply has been increased by putting 
down a well a short distance below the retaining reservoir. 
It is thirty feet in diameter, and twenty feet in depth, and 
is sunk through pure white sand, from which an abundance 
of pure water has been secured. Temperature of water in 
the well from fifty-three to fifty-six degrees. Temperature 
in surface water of East Lake ninety degrees. The well 
yields 500,000 gallons of pure water per day. The daily 
consumption of water by the city is 247,000 gallons. The 
plan of distribution covers the entire city. There are sixteen 
miles of pipes, with 1,100 taps, and about the same number 
of houses supplied. The mains are eleven inches in diameter, 
with three-inch galvanized-iron connections. The office and 
engine house are located near East Lake, on Commerce 
street, in a commodious brick structure of fine appearance. The 
works were built for the city in the year 1887, by Engineer 
I. S. Cassin, of Philadelphia. Under the management of 
Superintendent Timothy Woodruff they have been a success 
from the beginning. 



The City of Bridgeton. 



LOCATION, ATTRACTIONS, ADVANTAGES. 

The City of Bridgeton is located in a region remarkable 
both for situation and climate. It is the shire town of the rich 
and fertile county of Cumberland. The business centre of the 
city lies directly along the Cohansey, a navigable stream 
spanned by three handsome bridges, and most of the indus- 
trial and manufacturing establishments are within a few rods 
of the river. The heart of the city is a valley which gradually 
rises into elevations both to the east and west. The town 
itself covers a territory about three miles in breadth, and more 
than four miles from its northern to its southern boundary. 



A CHARMING LOCATION. 

The country round about is of a charming character, part 
hill, part woodland, with lake and pond nestling here and 
there in picturesque beauty. Few towns possess such a varied 
landscape, or such attractiv^e surroundings. The drives from 
the city to the rich agricultural region beyond, disclose many 
beautiful views of farmhouse and farm lands, occupied and 
cultivated by an industrious and prosperous people. 



75 



RICH IN NATURAL SCENERY. 

The vicinity is ricli in natural scenery, as the numerous 
views along the Raceway, at the Tumbling Dam Pond, 
at East Lake, on Jeddy's, and on the Cohansey, near the 
South Jersey Institute, fully attest. So romantic, indeed, are 
many of the drives and walks near the lakes and streams of 
suburban Bridgeton, that one \yho has traveled much, both in 
Europe and America, has recently declared, that in all his 
journeyings, he has rarely gazed on scenes of greater loveli- 
ness than those to be found at the head of the Cohansey, near 
the silvery waterfall at the Dam. 



A MILD CLIMATE. 

The latitude is that of Baltimore, Maryland, the average 
temperature being about thirty-two degrees in winter and 
seventy in summer. While severe weather occasionally pre- 
vails in the winter months, and heat at periods of the summer, 
the seasons, as a whole, are mild and healthful. The spring 
and fall months are delightful. There is no rai7iy season of 
half a year, as upon the Pacific slope; or long weeks of dronth, 
as on tlic plains of Kansas ; or terrible ivinds and bitmg blasts, 
as in ice-bound Minnesota ; or months of ititense heat, to 
parch the earth, and compel irrigation, as in Colorado ; neither 
is there epidemic of fever or the touch of malaria, as in the 
sunny lands of the South. On the contrary, there is an 
abundance of sunshine, and a wholesome quantity of rain, with 
the coming and going seasons in the fullness of time, bringing 
each in their turn, the bud, the blossom, the flower, and the 
"full corn in the ear." Nowhere on the earth's surface, take 
it all in all, can there be found a more genial climate or more 
productive soil than that of Bridgeton and its vicinit\'. 



76 



RICH SOIL, FRUITFUL RETURNS. 

The vegetable kingdom finds its true home in Cumber- 
land county, while our fi."uits cannot be surpassed in any 
quarter of the globe. One need not go to California for a 
home, when the grape, the plum, the pear, the apple, the 
peach, can be produced as prolific and as luscious here. 



COUNTY FACTS AND FIGURES. 

According to the census of 1880, Cumberland county 
agricultural products were — wheat, 157,952 bushels; corn, 
602,546 bushels; oats, 63,324 bushels; buckwheat, 3,162 
bushels; rye, 4,131 bushels. Dairy products on farms — 
72,000 gallons of milk ; 282,040 pounds of butter, and 886 
pounds of cheese. There were in the county, 3,849 horses, 
419 mules and jacks ; 59 working oxen ; 5,139 milch cows; 
3,485 other cattle; 3,663 sheep; 6,979 swine. There were 
291 manufacturing establishments, with ^1,706,834 capital; 
number of hands employed, 5,085; wages paid, ^735,416; 
value of goods manufactured, :$3, 35 1,730. Since then the 
county has largely increased in population, manufactures and 
agriculture. It is believed that the census of 1890 will show 
a population of at least fifty thousand. Located in the midst 
of such a prosperous agricultural and manufacturing commu- 
nity, Bridgeton is indeed fortunate. 



IMMIGRATION INVITED. 

In the midst of so many great advantages, with freedom 
from the tornado and earthquake, a death rate of barely 
seventeen persons to the thousand per annum, Bridgeton is 



77 

encompassed 'round and about by almost every blessing which 
it is possible for man to receive. Wh)', then, should the 
young man turn his face westward, or the old man sigh for a 
home in other lands ? Immigration is invited to come hither, 
as it certainly will when the resources and advantages of 
Bridgeton are better known and understood by the outside 
world. In no other section are the people better housed, 
better clothed, better fed, or more generally prosperous. 



THE FINEST MARKET. 

The Bridgeton markets are filled to repletion with the 
choicest meats, finest fruits and vegetables, fish, oysters, 
poultry and game in their respective seasons. Prices are 
reasonable, especially as to meats, while butter and eggs rarely 
exceed twenty-five cents per pound, or twenty cents per dozen. 
Milk can be had from four to six cents per quart, and of 
superior quality. The surrounding countiy, through its many 
Avell-tilled farms, furnishes the cit\^ with fresh produce every 
day. 

RENTS REASONABLE. 

Rents are reasonable, the best houses with modern 
improvements, gas and water, can be had for from tweh'e to 
fifteen dollars per month. 



A CITY OF HOMES. 

Bridgeton is pre-eminently a cit)' of homes. The greater 
portion of the inhabitants own the houses in which they live, 
and because of this fact there is more interest taken in home 
improvements, and more security for life and property. It is 
also well eoverned. 



L«IC. U <^ 



78 



NEARNESS TO THE GREAT CITIES. 

Philadelphia and New York, the two imperial cities of 
the continent, are within a few hours by rail. For the former 
city seven trains leave Bridgeton daily, five by West Jersey 
Railroad, and two by the New Jersey Central. Close commu- 
nication is also had with the great watering places on the 
Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Cape May, Atlantic City, 
Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Sea Isle City, Holly Beach, 
Anglesea, and other popular resorts, are at our very doors. 
It is only two hours sail from Bridgeton by river to the sea, 
and a shorter time by rail. 



ADVANTAGES ON THE SOUTH. 

On the south the city is brought, by the Cumberland and 
Maurice River Railroad, to the mouth of the great river from 
whose famous cove come the celebrated oysters so much in 
demand in all the city markets. Connection is also had by 
the same road with many towns in Cumberland and Cape May 
counties. This road opens up a broad country and thrifty 
people, who add much to the business interests of Bridgeton. 



LOW TAXES— ECONOMICAL GOVERNMENT. 

While the city has the electric light, a splendid system 
of water works, good roads and streets, first-class schools and 
other modern improvements, yet the taxes are low. The rate 
per one hundred dollars of assessed property has never yet 
exceeded $i.6o. Property is taxed for two-thirds value, and 
not for the whole as in other towns and cities. The City 
Government is economically administered. 



79 



SPECIAL MANUFACTURING ADVANTAGES. 

Manufacturers locating in Briclgeton have special advan- 
tages guaranteed them. By an act of the New Jersey 
Legislature — 

All capital employed in manufacturing in 
Bridgeton, to the amount of ten thousand dollars 
and upward, is exempt from city tax for a period 
of ten years. 

With the many fine manufacturing sites offered at low 
rates, a number of them free, on both sides of the Cohansey 
River, and in other sections of the city, coupled with other 
great advantages, capital ca7i have no more inviting field. 

;^2, 143,000 capital is invested in the manufacturing 
establishments of Bridgeton. Number of hands employed, 
3,718. Wages paid per annum, ;^ 1, 043, 500. Value of manu- 
factured product, $2,759,000. 



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